JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Witnesses in the case against Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith recounted for jurors how a raid led to charges of marijuana possession against Christopher Butler.
The testimony on Tuesday focused on Butler because felony charges accuse Smith of plotting with former assistant district attorney Ivon Johnson to hinder the prosecution of Butler.
Two Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents testified about the 2011 raid on Butler’s home, The Clarion-Ledger reported (https://on.thec-l.com/2hNgPMl ). Also testifying were Butler’s ex-girlfriend and owner of the home, Kwanza Hilliard, who said the marijuana found belonged to Butler.
Johnson, who informed against Smith, testified earlier in the trial. He says he took a single $500 bribe. Prosecutors say the scheme lasted three years and involved at least $15,000.
On Tuesday, prosecutors showed jurors parts of a video, which show Bureau of Narcotics Agent Eric Fulton finding the marijuana in the front of the home and Agent Kevin Dear retrieving the drugs much later on. During Tuesday’s testimony, the agents denied planting the drugs in Butler’s home, the Clarion-Ledger reported.
Prosecutors suggest that Smith conspired to hinder Butler’s prosecution by trying to indict two assistant attorneys general and Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill.
Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride, who was indicted along Smith in September but whose charges were dismissed, was expected to take the stand Wednesday.
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Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, https://www.clarionledger.com
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