HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The trial for one of two Hutchinson residents arrested in February of 2013 on drug distribution charges is in recess.
Twenty-one-year-old Derrick Taylor was arrested along with 43-year-old Marla Thomas. Both were charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, possession of marijuana, no drug tax stamp, and personal use drug paraphernalia. The marijuana charge against Taylor shows he has a prior conviction.
The state is presenting evidence of the alleged drug sale crimes against Taylor and apparently there is some concern by the defense over a video interview with one of the witnesses. Judge Trish Rose decided the give the defense time to study the video before its presented to the jury.
The case centers on the Reno County Drug Unit doing a search of a home on East B, back on Feb. 16, 2013. They allegedly found a zip-close bag of crack cocaine in the bedroom of the home. In the living room, they allegedly found a Black Flag bug spray can with a hidden compartment which they say contained two sandwich bags of powder cocaine. There was also allegedly a metal tin on the coffee table that contained marijuana.
Taylor is also accused of running out the back door to get away when drug unit officers made entry in the front.
Judge Rose told the jury to call back after 5 p.m. to see when the trial will resume. She told us that she hopes they can resume at 9:00 a.m. Thursday.