Franklin County jury finds Phil Campbell woman not guilty of felony drug charge

October 6th was a pretty good day for Phil Campbell resident  Chree Boyd after a Franklin County jury acquitted her of a felony drug charge.

And for Evan Hargett, Boyd’s attorney who was trying his first criminal jury trial, it was a special day as well.

Boyd was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, a felony, and a misdemeanor charge of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, charges that followed a February 15, 2025, traffic stop by Franklin County deputy Nathan Bohannon of a single cab truck on Highway 20 in Spruce Pine. Boyd was riding in the front passenger seat of the vehicle being driven by John Mills. Hargett said the reason for the stop was based on a traffic violation of no tag light.

According to the arrest report, Bohannon said he observed Boyd demonstrating signs of impairment, and after a vehicle search to which Mills consented, deputies found a hollow plastic pen tube containing what the deputy believed to be methamphetamine.

Additionally, the arrest report indicated Boyd admitted the tube belonged to her, but said it was a glue stick, not a device used for illegal drug use.

Bohannon then detained Boyd in his patrol vehicle and searched a backpack he testified belonged to Boyd.

That search revealed a second hollow plastic tube with what the deputy believed to be methamphetamine residue.

Boyd was charged with possession of methamphetamine residue and two hollow tubes allegedly constraining methamphetamine residue.

During the discovery process, when Hargett requested video of the traffic stop and Boyd’s ensuing arrest, the video footage was missing, so no dashboard camera or body camera video was presented at trial.

Hargett was hired six years ago to join the Russellville law firm now known as Rogers, Bowling & McReynolds, P.C. Veteran Russellville attorney Jeff Bowling assisted Hargett during jury selection for Boyd’s case in Franklin County Circuit Court.

Hargett regularly represents defendants facing criminal charges and he’s part of the rotating pool of attorneys who are appointed to represent indigent defendants, but last week was his first jury trial, as jury trials were suspended the first several years of his practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout Hargett’s representation of Boyd, she rejected all settlement offers from Franklin County District Attorney Jeff Barksdale’s office and decided to let a jury decide her guilt or innocence.

While Hargett was proud to have won his first criminal jury trial, what he learned from Boyd is what he will always remember about her case.

“From the beginning, my client maintained her innocence and placed her faith in the justice system. After hearing the evidence and considering the case, the jury unanimously reached the conclusion that the State of Alabama had not met its burden at trial,” Hargett said.

“I am grateful to the jurors for their service, their careful consideration and their commitment to the principles that make the justice system work, not just for the privileged, but for all. With that said, this case is a reminder that a criminal accusation is not a determination of guilty,  nor is it a conviction. Our legal system rightly requires the State to prove a defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” he added.

Hargett praised the professional handling of Boyd’s case by Barksdale’s office as well, but he firmly believes the verdict was the correct one.

“My client can now move forward with the knowledge she was acquitted of every charge. I am grateful for the jury’s verdict and proud to have stood by my client,” Hargett said.