Jury convicts Johnson Lane man on multiple drug trafficking counts

A Johnson Lane man was convicted on multiple counts of drug trafficking any one of which could result in his being sent to prison for the rest of his life.

Robert Vieth Wilson, 66, was remanded to the custody of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office without bail pending his Dec. 6 sentencing date.

Deputy Court Clerk Courtni Walker said the jury began deliberations at 1 p.m. Wednesday for five hours and returned Thursday morning for another five hours.

The verdict was read on Thursday afternoon.

Wilson was convicted of four category A charges of trafficking, two category B trafficking, sales of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sale, unlawful extraction of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a dangerous drug.

Wilson was acquitted of a charge of possession of a short-barreled rifle.

Wilson was out of custody for almost two months before the trial. He was arrested Oct. 16, 2019, after allegedly selling drugs to a confidential informant in August and September of that year.

According to information released at the time of his arrest, a search of his home turned up 5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 7 pounds of marijuana and what investigators described as THC extraction lab.

Wilson was released from custody in early August after a trial date on the drug charges was delayed.

However, he had a second trial date on a charge of battery by a prisoner that allegedly occurred while he was in custody.

Walker said that charge is expected to be dropped.

Wilson is a long-time resident of Johnson Lane, having lived in the same North Valley home for 27 years, attorney John Malone said.

The trial began Oct. 19 and was continued on Wednesday morning for closing arguments.

Malone sought a mistrial late last week after the confidential informant in the case balked at testifying. He pointed out that Wilson had a right to face his accuser.

On Friday morning District Judge Tom Gregory ruled against a mistrial and the jury didn’t hear any of the informant’s testimony. 

Malone said Friday morning that he plans to prepare an appeal but that won't be filed until after sentencing.

Malone argued that the informant had a long record of felonies and that there was a possibility he planted the contraband.

The informant was convicted on a charge of ex-felon in possession of a firearm after a March 2019 arrest. He admitted the charge in exchange for a recommendation for probation, which he received.

However, he absconded from probation and his probation was revoked. He is currently serving 18-60 months in prison.

The Record-Courier previously reported on his arrest, conviction and sentencing, however is not naming the informant.