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A Covington County jury on Tuesday convicted an Andalusia resident on drug-related charges.

Meatta Kionna Boyd, 32, was convicted of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The evidence at trial showed that on Feb. 21, 2017, agents with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force went to a residence on E. Second Street in Andalusia to execute a search warrant after learning of drug activity in the home.

While in the home, agents recovered multiple burned synthetic blunts and smoking devices. Agents initially only knew of an adult male and his child to live at the home, but Boyd arrived at the residence as agents were closing the warrant and preparing to leave. At that time, agents made contact with Boyd and she agreed to speak with them. According to testimony, Boyd told agents that she knew about the synthetic in the bedroom and that she had smoked it with Jamie earlier that afternoon.

The eight-woman, four-man jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts. Assistant District Attorney Nikki Stephens prosecuted the case for the state. Circuit Judge Ben Bowden presided over the case.

Stephens expressed appreciation to the jury for their work and service.

“I told the jury in my closing argument that this is not the crime of the century, but it is a crime, and Ms. Boyd should be held accountable. Thankfully, they listened to the evidence and did hold her accountable. Perhaps the saddest part of this case is that the defendant admitted to smoking a highly toxic substance in the home where a small child resided,” Stephens said.

Stephens commended Opp Police Department Captain Josh Hudson for his investigation and follow-through with the case, as well as other Drug Task Force agents who assisted.

“This case was one of the oldest on the docket and we decided to try it during our grand jury term,” said District Attorney Walt Merrell. “I am proud of my staff for simultaneously handling both a jury trial and grand jury proceedings proficiently this week. And I am thankful for a jury that was not distracted by the age of the case or any suggestion that drug crimes are insignificant. We do not want to live in a world where we no longer hold people accountable for their actions.”

Judge Bowden set a sentencing hearing for Jan. 8, 2024. Possession of a controlled substance is a Class D felony and possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor.