By Staff
CASSOPOLIS - The explosion of Anthony Hinton's methamphetamine lab almost cost him his life.
Now it will likely send him to prison.
Cass County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jason Ronning secured a decisive "as charged" verdict against the Vandalia man on Tuesday in Cass County Circuit Court.
The one-day jury trial included the testimony of law enforcement experts, arson specialists and a "Good Samaritan" citizen driving by Hinton's rented home moments after the April 28 explosion.
Michael Grahl reported that he was in his automobile near the defendant's 17877 Camplite, Vandalia, address when he saw Hinton exit the fiery house.
Grahl described the defendant as naked, screaming and covered with heavy burns.
911 was called and Hinton was rushed to the hospital for treatment to his hands, legs, face and feet.
Testimony indicated that the house suffered heavy fire damage, but also revealed the presence of a methamphetamine lab near the fire's origin.
Approximately $4,000 of cooked methamphetamine was also found on the residence's floor.
After brief deliberation, the jury foreman advised Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge at approximately 6 p.m. that the jury had found 37-year-old Hinton guilty of possession of methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine laboratory equipment.
Both counts carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz advised that "when you play with meth, you play with fire. This stuff is sheer stupidity. It's a drug for losers."
Since the fire, Hinton has received extensive medical treatment for his burns.
Sentencing is expected to occur in January 2005.