A Douglas County grand jury has issued indictments against two former employees of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, it was revealed this week.
James A. Verow, 34, Ava, a former deputy sheriff, is being held on a five-count indictment dating back to June 2010. His bond has been set at $100,000 and he is being held in an adjoining county.
Also charged on a three-count indictment is Casey Lee Stephens, 23, Ava, a former dispatcher with the Sheriff’s Office.
His charges also date back to June 2010.
Count I against Verow, alleges he was in possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, with intent to distribute to Anna Moreland.
Count II alleges Verow procured and delivered alprazolam, a controlled substance, to Casey Stephens.
Count III charges Verow with possession of hydrocodone, a controlled substance, with intent to deliver it to Anna Moreland.
Count IV alleges Verow procured and delivered oxycodone a controlled substance, to Casey Stephens.
Counts I-IV are class B felonies.
Count V alleges Verow committed the class C felony of stealing controlled substances, alprazolam and morphine, which was in the possession of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
All charges against Verow are said to have occurred between April 1 and June 10, 2010.
Stephens, who is free on $50,000 bond, is charged with three counts.
Count I alleges he took alprazolam from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the purpose of distributing or selling the controlled substance to James Verow.
Count II charges that Stephens took morphine from the Sheriff’s Office with the intent of distributing or selling it to Verow.
Count III charges Stephens with stealing alprazolam and morphine from the Sheriff’s Office.
Counts I and II are class B felonies; Count III is a class C felony.
Court documents indicate the crimes committed by Stephens occurred between June 4 and June 10, 2010.
Verow was in court Wednesday morning asking for bond reduction. However, Prosecuting Attorney Roger Wall requested that Circuit Judge John Moody recuse himself and appoint another judge to hear the case.
Verow was represented by Karen Bates-Crouch.
