03/28/2024
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A casual conversation between a state trooper and a potential juror during a break in Bladen County Superior Court on Tuesday morning resulted in a trial being delayed and an admonition from the judge for the county to get juror tags for everyone in the jury pool.

Twelve jurors were being questioned by Assistant District Attorney Courtney Sanford in the case of Latoya Katrise Dean, who is charged with driving while impaired during a traffic stop near Tar Heel in November 2014. As many as 50 other potential jurors were seated in the courtroom, listening to the questioning. As is customary, the judge called a brief recess about 11:30 a.m.

The conversation between Trooper Walker, who is listed as a prosecution witness, and the potential juror was seen in the hallway by Assistant District Attorney Glenn Emery, who is required to report it to the court. The trooper was not aware that at least one of the people he spoke with briefly was in the jury pool. None of the people involved in the conversation had been seated in the jury box, but were available to be called if needed.

Jurors and potential jurors are instructed not to talk to anyone connected with the case at any time.

Although it’s likely the conversion was “harmless,” Emery told the court, “Trooper Walker did talk with potential jurors.”

Defense attorney Gary Grady made a motion to continue the case. It’s now set for trial in August. A new jury pool will be sworn in at that time.

In announcing his decision, Superior Court Douglas Sasser sternly said, “I would recommend Bladen County invest in more juror tags” so an incident like this won’t happen again.

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