Trumbull County Prosecutor: Jury sets record verdict in escape case

According to a news release from the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office, a jury has set a record for a quick verdict decision regarding an escape case.

James Finlaw, 50, of Warren was found guilty of not reporting to his parole officers since 2020, ending a one-day trial.

According to the news release, after hearing arguments from both sides, the jury deliberated for five minutes before returning with a unanimous guilty verdict.

The case was prosecuted by First Assistant Christopher Becker in the courtroom of Common Pleas Judge Sarah Kovoor, who will schedule sentencing after Finlaw completes a background investigation.

Finlaw was represented by two public defenders according to the release.

According to the release, Becker called his only witness, a parole officer, who stated that Finlaw had been declared an absconder for non-reporting as of December in 2020.

Prosecutor Dennis Watkins is quoted in the release as saying," I believe that may have set a record for Trumbull County," following the return and decision of the jury after five minutes.

According to the release, Finlaw was placed on post-release control after serving an 18-month prison term for an OVI felony conviction in 2019, which included a one-year repeat violent offender specification. 

The case originated from a drunk driving arrest of Finlaw in Trumbull County in 2018 according to the release.

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