Deliberations to resume in drug trafficking trial
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
Jurors began deliberating just after 4:30 p.m. Monday in the trial of a Greenfield man charged with trafficking drugs.
Jesse Ray Pryor, 22, was indicted in October on five counts, including trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; possession of drugs, a felony of the second degree; trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; possession of drugs, a felony of the second degree; and a forfeiture specification, following a Sept. 2 raid by the Greenfield Police Department and Hillsboro/Greenfield Joint Special Response Team on a home on Second Street in Greenfield.
During the execution of a search warrant on the home, officers seized 140 doses of heroin, over 16 grams of crack cocaine, and uncut heroin in rock form along with the other contraband.
In addition to Pryor, Baretta Byrdsong and Richard Buycks, and Christian Tuley, were indicted on the same charges.
On Dec. 20, Tuley pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs, felonies of the third degree; and a forfeiture specification. He was sentenced to 12 months on each count, to be served consecutively, for a total of 24 months in prison. He testified during the trial on Monday.
Byrdsong and Baretta each pleaded guilty to the indictment Monday prior to the start of trial. Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss ordered a pre-sentence investigation, and a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for March 1.
Deliberations will resume Tuesday in the trial of a Greenfield man charged with trafficking drugs.
Jesse Ray Pryor, 22, was indicted in October on five counts, including trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; possession of drugs, a felony of the second degree; trafficking in drugs, a felony of the second degree; possession of drugs, a felony of the second degree; and a forfeiture specification, following a Sept. 2 raid by the Greenfield Police Department and Hillsboro/Greenfield Joint Special Response Team on a home on Second Street in Greenfield.
During the execution of a search warrant on the home, officers seized 140 doses of heroin, over 16 grams of crack cocaine, and uncut heroin in rock form along with the other contraband.
Jurors began deliberations at approximatley 4:30 p.m. Monday. Jurors were released for the evening at approximatley 8 p.m. Monday, and are scheduled to report back at 8:30 a.m.
In addition to Pryor, Baretta Byrdsong and Richard Buycks, and Christian Tuley, were indicted on the same charges.
On Dec. 20, Tuley pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs, felonies of the third degree; and a forfeiture specification. He was sentenced to 12 months on each count, to be served consecutively, for a total of 24 months in prison. He testified during the trial on Monday.
Byrdsong and Baretta each pleaded guilty to the indictment Monday prior to the start of trial. Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss ordered a pre-sentence investigation, and a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for March 1.
[[In-content Ad]]The state, represented by Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, Assistant Highland County Prosecutor Molly Bolek, with the assistance of Sgt. Jeremiah Oyer of the Greenfield Police Department, called nine witnesses to testify Monday. The jurors heard testimony from law enforcement officers, a former co-defendant, and other witnesses.
Defense attorney Jim Hapner told the jury that there was no evidence that tied his client the drug trafficking operation that was being run out of the Second Street home. The defense put on four witnesses, and the defendant did not take the stand.
"(Pryor) stood trial because he is innocent," Hapner said.
Hapner said there were no controlled buys, fingerprints or DNA evidence that directly linked his client to the drug trafficking.
Collins told the jury in her closing statements that this was "an illegal business gone bad," and "they saw a supply and demand situation in Greenfield" and decided to take advantage of it."
Each defendant had a role in the business, Collins said, with testimony showing that Tuley provided the location, and Buycks and Byrdsong supplying the product - with Byrdsong as the "money man."
"The defendant provided the customers," Collins said.
Hapner said that of the state's witnesses, there was some who were of, "dubious character" and the jurors needed to determine who they wanted to believe. He also referred to Tuley as having received a "sweetheart of a deal" in exchange for his testimony.
Collins said that the defendant's, "role in this business was to distribute. He helped divide (the drugs) into the capsules. I asked that you find today that not all business is good for Highland County," and that a guilty verdict be returned.
The state, represented by Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins, Assistant Highland County Prosecutor Molly Bolek, with the assistance of Sgt. Jeremiah Oyer of the Greenfield Police Department, called nine witnesses to testify Monday. The jurors heard testimony from law enforcement officers, a former co-defendant, and other witnesses.
Defense attorney Jon Hapner told the jury that there was no evidence that tied his client the drug trafficking operation that was being run out of the Second Street home. The defense put on four witnesses, and the defendant did not take the stand.
"(Pryor) stood trial because he is innocent," Hapner said.
Hapner said there were no controlled buys, fingerprints or DNA evidence that directly linked his client to the drug trafficking.
Collins told the jury in her closing statements that this was "an illegal business gone bad," and "they saw a supply and demand situation in Greenfield" and decided to take advantage of it."
Each defendant had a role in the business, Collins said, with testimony showing that Tuley provided the location, and Buycks and Byrdsong supplying the product - with Byrdsong as the "money man."
"The defendant provided the customers," Collins said.
Hapner said that of the state's witnesses, there was some who were of, "dubious character" and the jurors needed to determine who they wanted to believe. He also referred to Tuley as having received a "sweetheart of a deal" in exchange for his testimony.
Collins said that the defendant's, "role in this business was to distribute. He helped divide (the drugs) into the capsules. I asked that you find today that not all business is good for Highland County," and that a guilty verdict be returned.