Ripley County jury finds two local men guilty

According to information from the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office, two area men have been found guilty of criminal charges after separate jury trials.

A Ripley Circuit Court jury found Larry D. Brewer, 63, of Sunman, guilty of Intimidation, a Class D Felony, after a two-day trial.

Testimony showed that Brewer chased another local man for two blocks in Sunman on October 20, 2003. The victim noted that Brewer displayed a knife and made threatening remarks to him. Sunman Town Marshal Mark Denny, who took Brewer into custody a short time after the incident, located a knife hidden in Brewer's boot.

Sentencing for Brewer is set for April 12, where he faces up to three years in prison. Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Ryan King, represented the state at trial.

A Ripley Superior Court jury found Brian K. Werner, 33, of Lawrenceburg, guilty of Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Because of a previous conviction of the same offense, the charge was enhanced to a Class D Felony. The six-person jury trial was concluded in one day on April 1.

Werner had originally been arrested by Trooper Jim Wells near Milan on February 9, 2003. Werner will be sentenced on April 26, Records showed that this is Werner's fourth Driving While Intoxicated conviction. He faces up to three years in prison. Prosecuting Attorney, Ric Hertel, represented the state at trial.

Prosecutor Ric Hertel praised the law enforcement agencies involved and appreciated the support of the two juries. He concluded by saying, "Good law enforcement is the responsibility of all our citizens."