On Tuesday, a Covington County jury convicted Grady Marshall Cotton, 62, of Opp, of possession of marijuana I and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The evidence at trial showed that on October 13, 2015, agents with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force went to a residence on Cummings Avenue in Opp on reports of suspected drug activity. Testimony revealed that while agents made contact with the homeowner, Commander Mark Odom located Cotton also on that property. Upon subsequent investigation, Odom recovered an amount of marijuana from Cotton’s pocket. The state’s evidence also showed that Cotton had been previously convicted for possession of marijuana II, making this subsequent possession a felony offense. Cotton also has a prior felony conviction for possession of marijuana I.

The jury deliberated for only about 15 minutes before returning its guilty verdict.

Assistant District Attorney Nikki Stephens prosecuted the case. David Baker of Laird, Baker & Blackstock in Opp represented the defendant.

Circuit Judge Lex Short presided, and has set sentencing for Dec. 6.

Possession of marijuana I at the time this offense was committed was a Class C felony; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor.