Judge declares mistrial in Bailey case

A judge declared a mistrial Thursday afternoon in the case of a Tahlequah man charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.

The six-man, six-woman jury deliberated several hours before returning to court to tell Special District Judge Sandy Crosslin they were deadlocked 7-5 in the case of John Lesley Bailey Jr., 37. Crosslin thanked the panel for their service and allowed them to leave the courthouse.

The trial started Wednesday with jury selection and concluded Thursday morning with closing statements from the attorneys.

Bailey was charged with the crime last summer after sheriff’s deputies found his wallet inside a wrecked vehicle. The case will remain pending. Bailey was returned to his Cherokee County Jail cell after the trial.

He has several other cases pending. Most are on stolen property charges and are the result of investigations by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Tahlequah Police Department.

Bailey also has charges pending in Adair County. He is represented by Lawrence Langley.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Spychalski prosecuted the case.