After four minutes of deliberation on Wednesday, a Dillon County jury returned a guilty verdict on Billy Joe Caulder after he was tried in his absence.
After Circuit Court Judge Steve John found that Caulder had been properly notified that his case would proceed this week, he allowed the trial to go forward. The State, represented by Assistant Solicitor Shipp Daniel, presented evidence proving Caulder possessed and distributed hydrocodone. The jury returned its verdict in record time.
“As always, we thank the jurors for their service,” said Daniel. “It’s no secret that illegal use of prescription drugs has become a substantial problem facing not only our county, but counties in all areas of the country. While the answer isn’t necessarily to throw all involved in prison for years, it’s certainly an issue that law enforcement and our office are working hard to address.”
The law provides that upon conviction when the defendant does not appear for his trial, the sentence be sealed and held until the defendant is brought before the judge. At that time, the sentence will be unsealed and published.
The Court handled several other matters during the week as well; some of those matters are as follows: Dustin Moore pleaded guilty to strong arm robbery and was sentenced to 15 years suspended to seven years in prison and five years probation.
Joseph Sellers was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug charges. Vaughn Summerset was sentenced to five years on a charge of assault and battery in the first degree.
Vance McCollum was sentenced to five years suspended to 30 months in prison on a drug charge. Shawn McRae was sentenced to 90 days on a drug possession charge and also must serve an additional 90 days after being held in contempt of court for being under the influence of alcohol during his plea.
After this term, Dillon’s criminal docket now stands at 720 warrants, which is the lowest it’s been in many years.