Post by KC on Apr 29, 2006 21:03:36 GMT -5
04/29/2006 - Jurors found a Brown County constable guilty Wednesday of concealing evidence and oppression in the arrest of a man last year.
Donnie Barnum, 53, was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of official oppression and a felony count of tampering with evidence. Prosecutors say Barnum assaulted and unlawfully arrested Gary Lee Joyner on Sept. 14, and then hid physical evidence in the case.
Barnum had taken office months before, after being appointed to fill an unexpired term.
The jury of six men and six women deliberated about three hours before returning the verdict, the Abilene Reporter-News reported in its Thursday editions.
The sentencing portion of Barnum's trial was set to begin Thursday. He faces up to one year in a jail, and up to a $4,000 fine for each oppression count. Barnum also faces two to 10 years in prison with up to a $10,000 fine in the tampering with evidence charge.
Judge Stephen Ellis issued a gag order to prevent attorneys and others involved from publicly discussing the case.
A petition to remove Barnum from office was filed in November by County Attorney Shane Britton. It alleged Barnum had engaged in official misconduct and was incompetent to fulfill his duties.
Donnie Barnum, 53, was convicted of two misdemeanor counts of official oppression and a felony count of tampering with evidence. Prosecutors say Barnum assaulted and unlawfully arrested Gary Lee Joyner on Sept. 14, and then hid physical evidence in the case.
Barnum had taken office months before, after being appointed to fill an unexpired term.
The jury of six men and six women deliberated about three hours before returning the verdict, the Abilene Reporter-News reported in its Thursday editions.
The sentencing portion of Barnum's trial was set to begin Thursday. He faces up to one year in a jail, and up to a $4,000 fine for each oppression count. Barnum also faces two to 10 years in prison with up to a $10,000 fine in the tampering with evidence charge.
Judge Stephen Ellis issued a gag order to prevent attorneys and others involved from publicly discussing the case.
A petition to remove Barnum from office was filed in November by County Attorney Shane Britton. It alleged Barnum had engaged in official misconduct and was incompetent to fulfill his duties.