Current Sheriff Van Duncan, District Attorney Ron Moore and Board of Elections Director Trena Parker may all be called upon to testify in the corruption trial of former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, according to witness lists released today.
The three lists, one for the federal prosecution, one for Medford’s defense and one for the defense of former reserve Capt. Guy Penland, who’s being tried with Medford, include many figures already known to be involved in the investigation, as well as local officials and figures. Duncan and Moore both show up on Medford’s list, as does former Chief Deputy George Stewart, retired Wachovia Vice President Al Whitesides, also a member of the Asheville School Board, Randall Blankenship of Asheville Realty, local CPA Lester Bullock and Cherokee artist Richard Saunooke, among others.
The lists also include figures in the case such as former lieutenants. Johnny Harrison and Ronnie “Butch” Davis, Weaverville businessman Jackie Shepherd and Hot Dog King owner Demetre Theodossis, who all took plea deals in the case. And then there’s Judith Bell, Medford’s longtime girlfriend.
However, the documents note that it is unlikely that all witnesses on the lists will be called. Other witnesses may be added as the trial progresses.
— David Forbes, staff writer
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