JURY ACQUITS WOMAN IN DRUG CASE

FLORENCE -- It was evident from the expression on Hortencia Beasley's face
when she left a Lauderdale County courtroom Tuesday that she was happy with
the outcome of her drug trafficking trial.

Beasley was facing 10 years in prison and a total of $75,000 in mandatory
fines for separate charges of trafficking in marijuana and cocaine.

Jurors hearing her case, however, were apparently not convinced that the
20-year-old was involved in her then-boyfriend's drug-dealing business.

"I'm very proud for Hortencia," Florence attorney Tim case said of his
client's acquittal. "That was a good result for her. We appreciate the jury
making the right decision."

The jury deliberated the case for about an hour and 15 minutes.

Beasley, Chadwick Stell and Kyle Barnes were arrested in June 2002 after
police officers got a warrant and searched Stell and Beasley's residence at
Chisholm Way Apartments.

They found about 10 pounds of marijuana and approximately 3 ounces of
cocaine, according to reports.

Also found were sets of digital scales and numerous plastic sandwich
baggies commonly used for packaging marijuana for resale, according to the
testimony of Alabama Bureau of Investigation Agent Darryl Tatum.

Both Stell and Beasley were charged with trafficking of both marijuana and
cocaine.

Stell, 20, has pleaded guilty to trafficking in marijuana and accepted a
10-year prison sentence. The agreement calls for the sentence to be split
with three years to be served, followed by probation.

Barnes was arrested after he called Stell's cellular telephone and later
arrived at the residence with more than $4,000 in his pocket. He testified
Tuesday that he owed Stell money for marijuana.

Barnes, 20, was granted youthful offender status.

During questioning by Chief Assistant District Attorney Doug Evans, Stell
testified Tuesday that the drugs were his and that Beasley had no knowledge
of them being in the apartment.

He did say, however, that she was aware he was selling drugs.

Case said mere knowledge of the drugs being in the house was not enough to
convict his client of trafficking. He said proof was needed that she was
participating in criminal activity.

Beasley found it difficult to express her feelings after the trial.

"Tim Case is the best lawyer," she said as she got on the elevator to leave
the courthouse.

Beasley said she believed she received a fair trial.

"The jury did a good job," she said. "I'm happy I'm off of this because it
wasn't mine."

Like Case, Evans said the state had to prove that Beasley had some control
over the drugs that were in the house.

"We're disappointed in the verdict," Evans said. "We accept the verdict,
but we're disappointed."