Taylor guilty of dealing drugs; could get 8 years

By GEORGE KUNKE

SOUTH BEND – Kenneth Taylor, 52, Raymond, was found guilty by a jury in Pacific County Superior Court during the three-day trial that ended last Wednesday. Taylor was convicted of being over 18 and delivering methamphetamine to a person under the age of 18 and for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver it. Each violation was within 1,000 feet of a school bus.

Taylor was immediately remanded into custody following the return of the verdicts. The honorable Judge. Michael Sullivan presided over the trial. Taylor has been in the county jail since April 16 with bail set at $150,000.

Taylor's sentencing is set for this Friday on the 1:30 p.m. docket. Taylor is looking at a standard sentencing range of 5 years, 8 months to 8 years, 3 months on the charges, plus another 4 years for the school bus zone enhancements. The crimes occurred at Taylor’s home, located at 662 Plum Street in Raymond.

According to Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Eric Weston, the evidence against Taylor was collected by members of the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office, the Raymond Police Department, and the South Bend Police Department. Additional evidence was provided by Steven Jones of the Raymond School District and Tim Triesch, senior GIS coordinator for Pacific County’s Department of Public Works.

In recent police arrests, Russell Allen Hamilton, 22, was arrested by the State Patrol for Eluding a Police Vehicle and Reckless Endangerment last Thursday night. Patrolman J Hillstrom made the arrest. Hamilton is residing in the county jail with bail set at $20,000.

Thomas James Conley, 27, was arrested for residential burglary Sunday afternoon. Conley is in Pacific County Jail and is being held on $10,000 bail.

Ronald Lee Smith, 53, was arrested for possession of stolen property in the second degree last Friday night. Smith's bail is set at $10 grand.

Lisa Marie Neaman, 32, was arrested for possession of prescription drugs without having a prescription, which is a felony offense. Neaman was arrested last Friday night.

Thomas Michael Thompson, 72, was arrested on 6 charges, including 5 for drugs. Thompson was arrested for 4 counts of possession of amphetamine/methamphetamine, 1 count of possession of drug paraphernalia, and 1 count of possession of a false ID card. South Bend Policeman G Spencer made the arrest.

Jordi Alex Jane, 20, South Bend, was arrested by South Bend Police Chief Dave Eastham for domestic violence in the fourth degree last Wednesday.