HENDERSON COUNTY (HENDERSON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE) - All it took was seven minutes for a Henderson County jury of six men and six women on Wednesday afternoon to convict Joy Lynn Everett of the Second Degree Felony of Possession of Methamphetamine. The verdict came at the conclusion of a trial taking place in 173rd Judicial District Court with Judge Dan Moore presiding.
Assistant District Attorneys Justin Weiner and Nancy Rumor prosecuted the case on behalf of Scott McKee's District Attorney Office.
The Jury heard testimony that at 6:22AM on September 14, 2010, Police Officers Jessie Ison and Kenneth Bee from the Gun Barrel City Police Department were dispatched to Golden Belle Bingo in Gun Barrel City to respond to a report of an intoxicated person. An employee observed Everett asleep in a chair profusely rubbing her genital area and scratching her face. The employee called 911 after several unsuccessful attempts to get Everett to leave the premises. Multiple patrons had complained of Everett's vulgar actions.
When the officers made contact with Everett they believed that she was under the influence of narcotics and consented to a search of her purse. Within her purse was a leather cigarette case containing: 14.55 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, multiple baggies, torch lighters, and a glass pipe. Ison testified that the pipe is what he would call "well used". Everett was placed under arrest and taken into custody. The Jury also heard testimony from Department of Public Safety Lab Technician Claybian Cloud. Cloud confirmed that the substance was methamphetamine and verified its weight.
In closing arguments to the Jury, Mr. Weiner asked the jury to "use their common sense" when deliberating. "This is a relatively simple case," Weiner said "the Defendant not only said that the purse and cigarette case belonged to her, but she also consented to the search."
District Attorney Scott McKee praised the work of the two Gun Barrel City officers for their work on the case as well as his prosecutors. "The officers and prosecutors did a great job;" Said McKee. "The quick verdict is a testament to just how well the case was investigated and prosecuted." McKee indicated that 14 grams is usually more than just a personal amount and he is extremely pleased that officers were able to remove it from the street.
Everett has elected to have the Court assess her punishment and faces incarceration of up to 20 years. Moore will assess punishment on April 3.
