Jury convicts in aggravated assault

By By Suzanne Monk / managing editor
October 5, 2004
A Lauderdale County jury returned a guilty verdict Monday against 36-year-old Sammie Lee Brown in an abortive sexual assault that happened in July 2003.
The victim fought him off but she ended up with a fractured jaw.
Brown was indicted for aggravated assault and stood trial in Lauderdale County Circuit Court.
Assistant District Attorneys Dan Angero and Andy Davis presented only two witnesses, the victim herself and the Meridian police officer who responded to her call for help.
The attack happened about 9:30 p.m. as the victim was walking to a friend's house on 28th Avenue. She had just arrived, she testified, when Brown approached her and offered her money for sex acts.
She refused, but Brown wouldn't leave her alone. When she tried to leave, and return to her home only a few blocks away, Brown pursued her. He grabbed her and fondled her. She fell and he kicked her.
Brown was represented by Meridian attorney David Stephenson, who did not call any witnesses. The jury deliberated for about 40 minutes before reaching its verdict.
Brown's sentencing hearing has been set for Nov. 12.