Neel guilty on drug, firearm charges

A Grand Ridge woman faces sentencing Feb. 10 after a Jackson County jury found her guilty of drug and firearm charges this week, State Attorney Larry Basford announced.

Kayla Leanne Neel, 33, was found guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Wednesday.

Kayla Leanne Neel

Prosecutors Lawrence Gill and Shalla Jefcoat called three witnesses and presented evidence showing that on June 8, 2020, Jackson County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant on a residence located in Grand Ridge.

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Evidence presented at trial proved that the defendant was in possession of two loaded firearms, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia, all of which were located within the defendant’s bedroom.

The jury took about three and a half hours to reach its verdict.

The case was investigated by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Circuit Court Judge  Ana Maria Garcia set sentencing for Feb. 10.

For additional information, contact Mike Cazalas at mike.cazalas@sa14.fl.gov, or call 850-381-7454.