Press Release
The Office of State Attorney Glenn Hess announces that on June 26, 2018, a Bay County jury found Billy Dean Lay guilty of Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, and Use or Possession with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia. During the one-day trial, the State presented evidence showing that on June 11, 2017, Bay County Sheriff’s Deputy Alex Young was investigating a burglary in the area of Grand Lagoon Shores Dr. and North Lagoon Dr. When he observed the Defendant in the area, Deputy Young tried to make contact with the Defendant and his Co-Defendant, who promptly ran in opposite directions. Deputy Young gave chase to Billy Dean Lay and located him hiding in a bush, surrounded by the discarded methamphetamine and the paraphernalia. When the Deputy attempted to take the Defendant into custody, the Defendant fled again. Deputy Young was able to catch the Defendant and bring him to the ground where the Defendant continued to resist the officer. Thanks to the help of a Good Samaritan who stopped to assist Deputy Young, they were able to get the Defendant under control and arrested him. This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Nicole Reed and Alexis Sykes and investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Presiding Judge A. Keith Brace will set sentencing at a later date.
For additional information, contact Chief Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford.