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Russell Springs

A Russell Springs man was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, second offense and trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree, and of being a first degree persistent felony offender in each case a week ago Monday during Russell Circuit Court.

The jury deliberated about 30 minutes before returning with the verdict and recommendation for sentencing on Barry Kerr for the offense of trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree, second offense and for being a first degree persistent felony offender, the jury recommended the maximum term of 50 years in the penitentiary.

For the offense of trafficking in a controlled substance, second degree and being a first degree persistent felony offender, the jury recommended the maximum allowable sentence of 20 years.

The recommendation is that the sentences be served concurrently. Formal sentencing is scheduled for April 2.

Kerr was arrested on October 11, 2008 while in the possession of morphine and/or oxycodone in a quantify sufficient to determine intent to sell, transfer or distribute, according to records. When he was arrested in a rented room at the former Pinehurst Lodge in Jamestown by Police Lt. Tracy Irvin and Kentucky State Police Trooper Martin Wesley, Kerr had just under a thousand pills on him and more than $1,200 cash.