Two local residents were convicted on drug related charges by a Clinton Circuit Court jury during an all-day and half-the night trial held last Thursday, April 14. The trial ended around midnight with Circuit Judge Eddie C. Lovelace presiding.

The pair of defendants were tried jointly–with separate legal counsel–on charges related to marijuana cultivation and manufacturing methamphetamine.

Following testimony in the cases of Commonwealth vs. Matthew Shelton and Indika Sears, the jury deliberated and found both defendants guilty of the charges against them and also made sentence recommendations during the sentencing deliberation phase.

The jury found Shelton guilty of cultivation of marijuana, five or more plants, first offense and recommended a one-year sentence. He was also found guilty of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense, with a 10-year recommendation and finally, the jury found him guilty of persistent felony offender, second degree and enhanced the recommended punishment for the marijuana conviction from one year to six years and the manufacturing meth conviction from 10 to 24 years. They recommended the sentences to run consecutive for a total of 30 years.

In the case against Sears, the jury found her guilty of cultivation of marijuana, five or more plants, first offense with a 10-year sentence recommendation and guilty of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense, with a one year sentence recommendation. They further recommended the sentences run concurrent for a total of 10 years.

Shelton was represented by attorney Angie Capps and Sears was represented by attorney Charlie Pharis. The case was prosecuted by Commonwealth Attorney Jesse Stockton.

Final sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for May 16.