A quick verdict
An Oconee jury needed only 11 minutes yesterday to decide the fate of Steven Lee Duncan. The jury’s verdict: guilty of failing to stop and trafficking in methamphetamine between 10 and 28 grams. Defendant Duncan did not appear for the two-day trial. A court officer explained that under the rules of a guilty verdict in the case of an individual tried in absentia, Duncan’s sentence has been sealed and a bench warrant for his arrest will be issued. The defense lawyer offered no witnesses. The prosecution called five people to the stand, including sheriff’s officer Hellams.