Congratulations to Assistant
Prosecutors Marcy Vonderwell and Bill Morrison for securing a guilty jury
verdict on Wednesday, February 19th , in the case of State v. Thomas
Lawson, after a two day trial. Lawson was arrested on June 21, 2019 as a result
of a domestic violence call in Bath Township at the Huber Mobile Home Park. As
part of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle Lawson
was driving and a large quantity of drugs were found in a lunch box.
The case involved multiple
counts of Trafficking and Possession of a Fentanyl-Related Compound, and
Trafficking and Possession of Heroin, all felonies of the first degree carrying
mandatory prison time, plus a 1 year firearm specification. The fentanyl and
heroin counts were based on evidence in a bag which contained 68.05 grams
of both drugs. The jury also convicted Lawson of two third degree possession
counts for a lower amount of heroin and methamphetamine located in a separate
baggie.
Marcy and Bill did a great
job of presenting a number of witnesses to prove all of the elements of the
charges, including the chain of evidence witnesses, since the Defendant would
not stipulate to anything in the trial. This case was Marcy’s first felony
trial since transferring into the Criminal Division. She prepared the case
thoroughly, met with numerous witnesses, and was very effective in arguing the
State’s case. The sentencing is set for next week, and Lawson is facing a
minimum sentence of 28 years up to a maximum of 39 years, plus the one year gun
specification, if given a maximum consecutive sentence.
We appreciate the hard work
and overtime hours that our team put into this trial. The conviction in this
case underscores our continuing commitment to get drug traffickers off the
streets of Greene County, especially those who are distributing Fentanyl, a deadly
drug which has led to so many overdose deaths.