Probation violation alleged by ex-murder defendant in Yuba County

A Yuba County man who cut a deal with prosecutors last year to avoid prison time on a murder charge is back in jail, accused of violating his probation. Samson Mulkey, 18, admitted consuming alcohol in violation of his five-year probation order, according to Yuba County Probation Chief Jim Arnold. Mulkey was arrested Friday.

If convicted on the probation violation, Mulkey faces from more probation time to a maximum of 11 years in prison, Deputy Yuba County District Attorney Mike Byrne said.

Mulkey was one of six people convicted in the Dec. 31, 2011, shooting death of Steven "Sam" Moore. Mulkey and two others testified against the remaining defendants in exchange for reduced charges and no prison time.

Moore, 38, was shot and killed on Arthur Street in Marysville. The gunman, Marcus Nelson Hume, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September and was sentenced to 55 years to life in prison.

Mulkey was considered a lesser co-conspirator and, in exchange for his testimony, prosecutors dropped his charges from second-degree murder to voluntary manslaughter. Mulkey was sentenced in December to five years probation and given credit for time served in jail.

Co-defendants Jesse Garate and David Eneix received identical deals.

Mulkey was 17 at the time of Moore's death, but was charged as an adult.