CENTRE — District Attorney Mike O’Dell announces a major victory in the War on Drugs. A Cherokee County jury on Wednesday convicted John Curtis “Johnny” Hudgins, 49, of Gaylesville, of trafficking in cannabis. 

Evidence in the trial showed that in July 2009, agents of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit learned of a marijuana patch growing in the northern part of Cherokee County near Gaylesville. These plants were approximately one mile from the defendant’s home. 

After a period of surveillance over the marijuana patch, agents were able to obtain photographs of Hudgins tending the plants. 

Based on that evidence, agents obtained a search warrant for Hudgins’s home. During that search, agents discovered tools and supplies commonly used to cultivate and process marijuana and approximately a pound of dried marijuana. Agents also collected the growing plants from the marijuana patch near the defendant’s home. 

Forensic analysis determined that the seized material was indeed marijuana and weighed over 14 lbs. 

The jury, consisting of five men and seven women, deliberated for approximately an hour and a half before reaching their verdict. 

O’Dell thanked the jury for their service and for the wisdom of their verdict. Deputy District Attorney Scott Lloyd, the lead prosecutor, thanked the agents and deputies for their professional investigation. Lloyd also thanked Assistant District Attorney Wes Mobley for his assistance in preparing and presenting the case. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit Commander Charles “Chas” Clifton was the lead investigator. 

Trafficking in cannabis is a Class A felony. Because Hudgins has a prior felony conviction, his range of punishment is enhanced to a minimum of 15 years in the state penitentiary up to a maximum sentence of life. Hudgins also faces a fine of $25,000 to $60,000.