District Attorney Micheal Murray reported that Thursday, May 13, 2010, a Brown County jury convicted Abilene resident Leonard “Bo” Batts of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and assessed his punishment at 40 years in the penitentiary.  Batts was on trial for his involvement in the distribution of methamphetamines and cocaine in Brown County.

First Assistant District Attorney, Sam C. Moss, presented evidence that in 2006 Batts and his girlfriend began supplying methamphetamine and cocaine to several persons in Brown County.  Moss presented evidence that on October 20, 2006 Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy John Fincher performed a traffic stop on Clifton Thomas that led to the discovery of approximately 4 grams of methamphetamines and trace amounts of cocaine.  Detective Tony Aaron arrived to assist and through his investigation determined the source of the methamphetamine and cocaine possessed by Thomas was Lake Brownwood resident Cheryl McEwen.

Detective Aaron testified that he searched the home of Cheryl McEwen and found evidence of narcotics distribution.  Detective Aaron further testified that evidence from McEwen’s residence revealed that she was receiving her narcotics from a source out of Abilene.  Through his investigation, Detective Aaron identified Leonard Bo Batts and his girlfriend as the source of the supply out of Abilene.  Aaron testified that Batts and his girlfriend were delivering large quantities of methamphetamine to McEwen for purposes of distribution in Brown County.

At the punishment stage of the trial Moss presented evidence that Batts and his girlfriend were delivering as much as 127 grams of methamphetamine per week in Brown, Taylor, and surrounding counties.  Detective Aaron testified that through his investigation he determined Batts was receiving large quantities of methamphetamine from an individual with a source of supply in Mexico.  Aaron testified Batts’ methamphetamine supplier would receive up to 13 pounds of methamphetamine per shipment.

Defense Attorney Lee Haney presented evidence that Batts had never before been convicted of a felony and asked the jury to consider probation for Batts.  Moss argued that while Batts may be eligible for probation he is not entitled to probation based on his level of narcotics distribution.  Moss asked the jury to consider the fact that someone’s mother, father, son or daughter will ultimately have access to methamphetamine in our community because of drug dealer like Batts.

After considering all the evidence the jury handed down the 40 year sentence for 29-year-old Batts.