ANDALUSIA, Ala. – A 34-year-old man from Andalusia, Alabama, known as Oddesius “Nuke” Bryant, was found guilty by a Covington County jury this week on charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possessing marijuana, possessing drug paraphernalia, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. After two days of hearing evidence, the 12-person jury, consisting of 10 men and 2 women, took less than 40 minutes to reach a verdict.
Prosecuting the case on behalf of the State was Assistant District Attorney Nikki Stephens. Throughout the trial, Stephens emphasized Bryant’s years of drug dealing and the detrimental impact it had on the community. She expressed gratitude for the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence and their decision to hold Bryant accountable for his actions.
Bryant’s arrest followed an investigation conducted by the Drug Task Force. The probe, which began in July 2020, focused on illegal narcotics activity taking place at 605 Eighth Avenue in Andalusia. After conducting surveillance and interacting with visitors to the residence, agents secured a search warrant for the property. The execution of the warrant, on August 13, 2020, resulted in Bryant’s discovery in the driver’s seat of a Ford F-150 parked in the driveway. Additionally, agents found significant quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia, inside the truck. Two loaded firearms, a 9mm pistol and a .380 pistol, were also recovered.
District Attorney Walt Merrell commended the local law enforcement officers and investigators involved in the case, highlighting their diligent efforts to ensure public safety. Merrell acknowledged the weeks of surveillance, interviews, search warrants, and the compilation of evidence that ultimately led to Bryant’s conviction. He expressed gratitude for the officers’ dedication to serving the community and applauded the jury’s attentiveness throughout the trial.
The case was presided over by Circuit Judge Lex Short, who set the sentencing hearing for May 30, 2024. Bryant, who already has five prior felony convictions, will be sentenced under the Habitual Felony Offender Act. The trafficking conviction, classified as a Class A felony, carries a minimum sentence of life in prison. It is important to note that Bryant is currently serving a 30-year sentence for previous drug charges unrelated to this case.
Stephens extended her gratitude to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Investigator Cody Holmes, the Andalusia Police Department Narcotics Investigator Tyler Patterson, and the District Attorney’s Office Chief Investigator Nickey Carnley for their valuable contributions to the prosecution of the case.
As Bryant’s sentencing looms, the communities of Andalusia and Covington County reflect on the impact of drug trafficking and the pursuit of justice to safeguard their neighborhoods. The verdict serves as a reminder of the continued efforts to combat illicit drug activities and maintain the security and well-being of the local residents.