In The News

Jack Tinney and Meridith Osborne Obtain 'Not Guilty' Verdict

11/10/2004

On December 9, 2003, a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston, West Virginia, handed down an Indictment charging Steven Todd Ashworth, his wife, Susan Anita Ashworth, and another individual with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. All three defendants faced the possibility of life in prison.

On November 10, 2004, following a three-day trial, a jury returned a 'Not Guilty' verdict for Susan Ashworth.

Jack Tinney was appointed to represent Susan Ashworth. He was assisted throughout the case by Meridith Osborne and at trial by John Cecil and paralegal, Catherine Marcum.

During the course of the trial, the United States called four witnesses who had previously pled guilty to crimes involving methamphetamines, including one of Mrs. Ashworth's co-defendants.

Jack and Meridith were successful in convincing the jury that the government's witnesses were not credible and the result was a rare acquittal in a federal drug prosecution.