By Emily Williams 

Judge Jay Westfaul told a local store owner to remove all drug paraphernalia from his store after a trial in Batesville Municipal Court Wednesday. 

Aqueel A. Fadil, 203 Park St., Batesville, was found guilty of selling paraphernalia (a marijuana grinder) on January 28 at the store he owns, Panola First Stop located on 309 Panola Avenue.

Fadil told the judge he wanted to represent himself but only called one witness who was an employee saying Fadil wasn’t the one who sold the grinder.

“Who owns the store?” the judge asked.

Fadil said he and his brothers own the store.

“You are responsible for what is sold in that store. I want every bit of drug paraphernalia removed from your store immediately,” the judge said.

He was found guilty and fined $450.

Joseph E. Smith, 2242 Vassar Rd., Pope, was found guilty of shoplifting and willful trespassing in his absence. 

After Smith failed to appear for trial, Walmart’s asset protection security officer testified that Smith stole a six gallon compressor and was previously told to stay out of Walmart. 

He was fined $1,563.

Amy R. Sandifer, 402 Franklin St., Sardis, entered a guilty plea to disorderly conduct-failure to comply and simple assault. She was fined $975 and a no contact order was put into place.

Casey C. Melton, 8324 Pope-Water Valley Road, Pope, entered a guilty plea to possession of a weapon at school (misdemeanor). He was fined $567.

Tameika D. Killebrew, 3548 Nash, Batesville, entered a not guilty plea to simple assault. A trial was set for March 2.

Timothy Bledsoe, 103 Sunrise Cove, Batesville, is being represented by Helen Kelly for two counts of domestic violence and simple assault. A protection order was continued for another week and the trial was continued for a later date. 

Justin Scott, 204 Jefferies, Batesville, failed to appear to answer shoplifting charges. Fox Bonding was notified.