CHATSWORTH, Ga. — A Dalton man charged with murder that resulted from what the Murray County sheriff termed a “botched drug deal” turned down a plea deal on Wednesday in which he could have avoided a possible sentence of life in prison without parole. 

Anthony James Clark was indicted for two counts of murder, armed robbery, robbery and possession of meth in connection with the death of Stasha Fay Baggett, 30, in February at 252 Red Cut Road in northern Murray County.

District Attorney Bert Poston said in Superior Court that a plea deal had been turned down by Clark. Poston told Judge Cindy Morris he offered Clark an opportunity to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and robbery with two possible sentencing options. 

“We had offered for the defendant to enter a guilty plea of voluntary manslaughter as a lesser plea to the offense of felony murder, and robbery as a lesser plea to the offense of armed robbery,” Poston told Morris. “The recommendation would have been either 20 years to serve followed by 20 years of probation or 18 years to serve without the possibility of parole followed by 22 years of probation. We discussed both of those options and the defendant has rejected either of those offers. Based on that rejection, we are withdrawing those offers and taking those off the table at this time.”

Jami Brooke Johnson, of Rossville, is also charged with murder as well as robbery and possession of meth in connection with Baggett’s death. Sheriff Gary Langford said at the time of the original investigation that the death occurred during a “botched drug deal.” Langford said Baggett “got run over or maybe struck a tree, but she was hanging onto the car as they were attempting to drive off.”

Chief Deputy Jimmy Davenport said it appeared Baggett was trying to stop Clark and Johnson from leaving and said the incident started over the sale of meth with an estimated street value of between $65 and $80. Baggett was said to be the seller. A 911 caller named Clark as the driver.

Johnson’s case was continued until Oct. 3, and Poston said he is in talks with her attorney — Andrew Powell with the Public Defender’s Office — regarding a possible plea deal.

Both Clark and Johnson qualified for representation from the Public Defender’s Office. Clark is represented by Marietta attorney Gene Stokes, who is being used to avoid a conflict of interest with the Public Defender’s Office.

“Mr. Stokes, did you communicate that offer to your client?” Morris asked.

“I have, your honor,” Stokes said. 

“And he has rejected that offer?” Morris asked.

“That’s correct, your honor,” Stokes said. 

“And have you spoken to him and made clear to him what the maximum sentence could be should he be convicted by a jury?” Morris asked.

“Yes, your honor,” Stokes said.

“Just for the record, the maximum sentence would be life without parole,” Poston said.

“Do you understand that, Mr. Clark?” Morris asked.

“Yes, ma’am,” Clark said in his only comment during the proceeding. 

Clark’s case was marked for a calendar call on Jan. 27 with a tentative trial date of Feb. 10.