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Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Ind. Courts - "Jurors will be selected today in the case of an Evansville attorney accused of having a meth lab in his home and law office"

So begins this story by Kate Braser in today's Evansville courier & Press:

Brad Happe, 30, faces charges for conspiracy to commit dealing in methamphetamine and dealing in methamphetamine, both Class B felonies.

The case began March 29 after police reportedly confiscated anhydrous ammonia, pseudoephedrine tablets, lithium batteries, sulfuric acid and other items that are commonly associated with manufacturing meth from Happe's office and apartment at 4619 Harmony Way.

In court documents, prosecutors allege Happe made an agreement with a confidential informant to manufacture meth and procured the necessary ingredients.

Reached by phone late Tuesday, Happe's defense attorney, John Brinson, declined to comment.

The trial will likely last until Friday, with prosecutors expected to begin presenting their evidence in the case early Thursday.

Deputy Prosecutor Matt Keppler is prosecuting the case. Reached at his office Tuesday, Keppler declined to comment, citing concerns about discussing the case as it goes to trial.

Happe has a lot at stake in the trial: He was suspended from practicing law in June by the Indiana Supreme Court, and if he is convicted, the Class B felonies carry a range of six to 20 years in prison.

He rejected a plea agreement in May, and his attorney at that time withdrew from the case.

Happe has been enrolled at a drug treatment facility in the Chicago area throughout much of the case.

A judge ordered the treatment after Happe was charged with a misdemeanor in April 2006 for visiting a home where police said a working meth lab was discovered.

For background, see this ILB entry from June 17th.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 7, 2007 09:04 AM
Posted to Indiana Courts