By Jessica Moore

Staff Writer

William Bryan Gatlin, 42, of Holly Grove Road, was found guilty as charged Monday evening after only 30 minutes of deliberation by the jury. He was found guilty of possession with intent to sell not less than ½ ounce or more than 10 pounds of marijuana, a Schedule VI controlled substance. He was also found guilty of possession with intent to deliver, and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. The State was represented by District Attorney Robert Carter and Assistant District Attorney Eddie Barnard. Gatlin was represented by Robert H. Plummer III of Franklin.

The prosecutors had several witnesses, all members of law enforcement.

The first to speak was the Assistant Director of the 17th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Tim Miller. During his testimony he told the jury what led him and his team of agents to Gatlin's home on Dec. 7, 2012. Some time before, he had been given information from local law enforcement of possible illegal activity taking place at an apartment on Holly Grove Road. The Drug Task Force happened to be in the area that evening working on other leads, when they decided to check into Gatlin's. They parked their vehicles, which were unmarked, and began moving toward the door. While in the parking lot, they said, the odor of marijuana was evident from several yards away.

According to Miller, after knocking on the door of Gatlin's home, he answered and opened the door. As he did so, the odor became stronger. Miller and the other agents identified themselves. At that time, Gatlin agreed to cooperate with them. He let them in and agreed to allow them to search the apartment, but he revoked this consent soon after giving it. At any time, a person can revoke their consent to search if there is no search warrant present. Before the consent to search was revoked, however, the agents had found or seen jars of marijuana and "tally sheets." At that time, they arrested Gatlin and took him into custody. After returning with a search warrant the agents also found scales, a grinder, and a pipe. There was also a duffel bag smelling of marijuana, and $1,500 cash hidden in a CD case. Photos of these items and the cooler containing the duffel bag were shown to jury members during the trial.

The defense attorney stated Gatlin was admitting possession of marijuana for personal use, but he had no intention to sell or deliver it. Unfortunately for Gatlin, the jury didn't see it that way, quickly declaring him guilty of all three charges.

After the verdict was announced, Circuit Court Judge Lee Russell revoked Gatlin's bond and he was handcuffed and led away to jail. His sentencing hearing will be held Dec. 13.