First Jury Trial In Franklin Co. Since The Pandemic Started Ends With Felony Conviction

A Laurel man was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.

Shutterstock photo.

(Brookville, Ind.) – The first jury trial conducted in Franklin County since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a guilty verdict.

Phillip Richardson, 61, of Laurel, was found guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony) after a brief deliberation from jurors.

Richardson was arrested during a traffic stop on December 22, 2018, where he was found in possession of nearly half a gram of methamphetamine. An additional misdemeanor count of Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance was dismissed because Richardson was able to provide evidence that he had a valid prescription at the time of the alleged offense.

As result of the felony conviction, Richardson is facing 6-30 months behind bars.

He will be sentenced on May 18.

According to Prosecuting Attorney Chris Huerkamp, Judge Clay Kellerman’s staff took numerous safety precautions to ensure that each prospective juror felt safe during the proceedings.

“Judge Kellerman and his staff addressed the issue from the outset, and at least from what I know, no prospective juror was uncomfortable with the setup,” said Huerkamp. “I think I can speak for all parties involved in this case—Attorneys, Judge, and Court Staff--in thanking the entire jury pool for their service and attention during the course of the proceedings.”

More from Local News

Events

  • Dolly's Summer Tour

    Visit our life-sized Dolly Parton cut-out as she visits local businesses around Dearborn County promoting her Imagination Library.

  • Summer Lunch

    Free Summer Lunch

  • Friendship Flea Market

    Twice a year the Friendship Flea Market turns this quiet little 1868 town of Friendship into a busy marketplace. Almost 500 vendor spaces, open daily 9AM/9days

    at Friendship Flea Market

Lawrenceburg Indiana Man Killed in Fatal Collision In Trimble County Ky

One dead and four seriously injured following two vehicle collision in Trimble County

Jennings County Schools, Football Program Mourn Loss of Student

Counselors are being made available for students.

Switzerland Co. 4-H Fair to Participate in Stock the Trailer Challenge

County fairs across the state are collecting food donations for local food pantries.

Brooks & Dunn Hard Working Man 0:21
Hardy Favorite Country Song 0:18
Tanya Tucker Lizzie & the Rainman 0:14
Mark Chesnutt Gonna Get A Life 0:11