By RAY LIGHTNER
Journal Staff Writer
A jury found John Thomas Ogburn guilty Friday of meth charges following a two-day trial.
Ogburn 44 of Alabama Ave., Warner Robins, was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and criminal attempt to manufacture methamphetamine. He was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Edward Lukemire to 15 years to serve seven years in prison and given a $5,000 fine.
The jury deliberated about two hours before returning the guilty verdict. The charges stem from a Christmas eve 2004 incident.
“This was the result of a great effort from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office,” said Assistant District Attorney Erikka B. Williams. “Not only did we get 14 bags of meth off the street, but they stopped more meth from being produced that night.”
On Dec. 24, 2004, Deputy Adriene Hilton responded to a burglary in progress at 1937 Marshaville Road in Perry.
Ogburn, along with two others were arrested at the scene. A subsequent search of Ogburn’s person revealed 14 bags of methamphetamine. A search of his truck revealed items to make methamphetamine including starter fluid, over 1,000 pseudoephedrine pills, digital scales and a police scanner.
Williams said chares were dismissed against the others last year as all the meth was found on Ogburn and in his truck.
He will spend the next seven years in prison since he bonded out soon after his arrest and there was no significant time served prior to his conviction.
He was indicted on additional charges including burglary, possession of a firearm or knife during a crime and carrying a concealed weapon. Williams said those were dropped to go with the strongest case against Ogburn, “and we got him.”
This case was prosecuted by Williams and ADA George Hartwig III. Ogburn was represented by attorney Fred Graham of Warner Robins.
