| May 24, 2006
State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the conviction, in Bay County Circuit Court, of Branden Givens, 22, of Panama City Beach, on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of cannabis.
Givens failed to appear for trial and was tried in absentia. He was late for jury selection on Monday, May 22, and Circuit Judge Dedee S. Costello ordered him held on additional bond. Givens posted bond but failed to show for court on Wednesday. A warrant was issued for his arrest.
The three hour trial was conducted with an empty chair in the defendant’s place. Assistant State Attorney Jonna Bowman presented evidence that investigators from the State Attorney’s Office and the Panama City Beach Police Department seized $650.00 worth of powder cocaine and $300.00 worth of crack cocaine which was wrapped in $2,142.00 cash. At the time of his arrest, Givens told police officers, “What do you expect me to do? I have to sell dope. No one will hire me.”
The four female, two male jury deliberated about eight(8) minutes before reaching the guilty verdicts.
The State will seek habitual offender sanctions against Givens. He could face 30 years in prison. |