(Rockwall County) On Tuesday, September 18, 2012, a Rockwall County jury convicted Arkansas resident James Marquette Bradley, 22, on the charge of Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine. Less than two hours after retiring to deliberate on punishment, the jury sentenced the previously convicted felon to 35 years in prison.
Jurors heard testimony that, on February 17, 2011, Rockwall Police Department Officer Craig Goff detained a vehicle on a traffic stop on I-30. Bradley, who was a passenger, fled the vehicle with a backpack containing 63 grams of cocaine and three loaded firearms. Three different law enforcement agencies, including Garland K-9 officers and a DPS helicopter crew, joined the search for the suspect which lasted about an hour. Bradley, who was found in a marsh behind the Loves Truck Stop and suffering from hypothermia, was taken to the hospital. Two other officers also suffered injuries during the search.
Bradley originally agreed to plead guilty and go to the jury for punishment but changed his mind and pled not guilty in the middle of the hearing. Prosecutors were able to make last minute strategy decisions in order to successfully present the extra testimony necessary to prove the guilt of the defendant. “That’s part of our job,” said Assistant District Attorney Damita Sangermano. “Prosecutors have to be ready for the unexpected during trial. I was proud of the way the office worked together to deal with the situation.”
Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney Kenda Culpepper lauded the extra effort officers exhibited at the scene. “We citizens need to remember that law enforcement puts their lives on the line every day for us,” said Culpepper. “By their verdict, the jury paid tribute to the bravery of the officers involved and appropriately punished the criminal.”
Submitted by the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
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