Cain convicted as drug dealer Jury rejects testimony he was addict
Posted on Friday, November 14, 2008
Ronney Cain told a Washington County jury that he was a methamphetamine addict and longtime marijuana smoker but that he was not a drug dealer.
The jury did not believe him. He was convicted Wednesday of multiple drug charges relating to arrests on June 5 and July 9 and 20.
Cain faces a total of 51 years in prison if the judge decides to run the sentences consecutively.
Cain admitted during his trial to having some marijuana and about 2 grams of meth in his pockets when he was arrested by Springdale police July 9.
Cain, 38, of Springdale also admitted that he had a half-pound of marijuana in his vehicle during the stop on July 9, but he said he did not know where almost an ounce of methamphetamine or more than a dozen small, plastic bags came from.
He would not say that police planted the methamphetamine found in several different containers, but he said he did not put any of it there.
He admitted that the syringes and small glass pipes were his, along with two portable safes and a briefcase full of assorted items.
He was convicted of possession with intent to deliver both marijuana and methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with the July 9 arrest by Springdale police.
He was convicted of possession of both marijuana and methamphetamine in connection with a July 20 arrest by Fayetteville police, who found small amounts of pot and meth in a vehicle Cain parked outside of the Electric Cowboy bar around closing time.
He was also convicted of possession of marijuana in connection with a June 5 traffic stop by Springdale police, who found some marijuana roaches, or butts, and a gun in a vehicle Cain was driving but said did not belong to him.
Cain was found not guilty on a charge of simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms in connection with the June 5 arrest. Cain testified that he did not know the gun or the roaches were in the car.
He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, 10 years for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, 10 years for possessing meth, three years on each of the two marijuana possession charges and a fine totaling $10,000. The possession of marijuana charges were felony charges because of Cain’s prior criminal history.
Formal sentencing is set for Tuesday before 4th Judicial District Judge William Storey.
“The jury recognized that the defendant was a drug dealer and gave him everything he deserved,” said Dustin Roberts, 4th Judicial District deputy prosecutor.
Roberts commended Springdale and Fayetteville police officers for their diligent efforts and professionalism in this case.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
