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.