PINEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) - A former Bell County Constable is now in jail on contempt of court charges.

Last year, Jesse Hall and his wife Juanita Hall were ordered to pay restitution when they pleaded guilty to stealing funds intended for charity, but they have not paid up.

Jesse and Juanita Hall appeared in court Friday for final sentencing.

In August, the former constable and his wife pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars intended for charity.
The couple ran a Bingo Parlor in Middlesboro. Police say the funds went to their pocketbook instead of charity.
As part of a plea deal, the Halls agreed to pay $77,000 in restitution in exchange for a probated sentence.
However, six months later, the couple still has not paid.

At the plea agreement hearing in August, the Halls agreed to give up their home to cover $29,000 of the restitution, but so far, the Halls have not done that.

"The parties entered into to this agreement in good faith and it's time for them to be sentenced and it's time for them to do what they said they were going to do," said Karen Greene Blondell, Bell County Commonwealth's Attorney.

The Halls' defense attorney says the couple does not have the money to make restitution to the victims.

"The Halls are in quite a predicament. Mr. Hall's health has deteriorated dramatically from when the deal was done and sort of made them unable to meet their end of the bargain," said Michael Taylor.

The Judge says he postponed the sentencing four times and would not postpone again.

He said the Halls were in contempt of court for not paying and ordered them to jail until they pay.

"They entered into a plea agreement and it's time to make restitution to the victims," said Karen Greene Blondell.

"Hopefully, they can get that accomplished," said Taylor.

The defense attorney says the Halls are working to pay off their home so they can get the title to turn over. They plan to make payments on the rest of the money owed.

Bell County officials say Jesse Hall went to the Jackson County Jail because he is a former Bell County law enforcement officer.

Juanita Hall is staying in the Bell County Jail.