IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE

AT JACKSON

Assigned on Briefs November 1, 2016

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. GEORGE WASHINGTON MATTHEWS

Appeal from the Circuit Court for Lake County

No. 13-CR-9837 R. Lee Moore, Jr., Judge

___________________________________

No. W2015-02500-CCA-R3-CD - Filed January 24, 2017

___________________________________

The defendant, George Washington Matthews, was indicted for one count of possession 

of over one-half ounce of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver and two counts of 

attempting to introduce contraband into a penal facility. After trial, a jury found the 

defendant guilty on all counts. The defendant received a total effective sentence of 

twelve years. On appeal, the defendant argues the evidence was insufficient to support 

his convictions; the trial court erred when it allowed testimony regarding the defendant‟s 

recent incarceration; and his indictment was defective. After review, we affirm the 

judgments of the trial court.

 Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed.

J. ROSS DYER, J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which JOHN EVERETT WILLIAMS

and CAMILLE R. MCMULLEN, JJ., joined.

Hal J. Boyd, Tiptonville, Tennessee, for the appellant, George Washington Matthews.

Herbert H. Slatery III, Attorney General and Reporter; David H. Findley, Assistant 

Attorney General; Phil Bivens, District Attorney General; and Lance Webb, Assistant 

District Attorney General, for the appellee, State of Tennessee.

OPINION

Just after midnight in the early morning hours of February 17, 2013, Deputy 

Thomas Hollowell was patrolling Proctor City Road on the eastern boundary of the

Northwest Correctional Center (“the prison”) in Lake County, Tennessee. According to 

Deputy Hollowell, this road and a nearby field are known avenues for smuggling

contraband into the prison. Due to the contraband problem, Deputy Hollowell frequently 

patrolled the area. During his patrol that morning, Deputy Hollowell discovered the 
- 2 -

defendant and another individual lying in a ditch alongside Proctor City Road. The ditch 

is located approximately 100 to 150 yards from the eastern boundary of the prison. If 

followed, the ditch leads to the prison greenhouse and firing range. Deputy Hollowell 

knew from personal experience that the firing range was a “hotspot” for smuggling 

contraband into the prison facility. 

After spotting the defendant and his co-defendant, Deputy Hollowell stopped and 

exited his vehicle. Deputy Hollowell also noticed two large duffel bags lying in the ditch 

approximately one to two feet from the defendant. After detaining the defendant and the 

co-defendant, Deputy Hollowell inspected the duffel bags and discovered they contained 

forty-four individually packaged one-pound bags of tobacco; twenty-three cell phones 

with batteries and chargers; and approximately 390 grams of marijuana in thirteen 

individual packages. Deputy Hollowell did not see the defendant or his co-defendant 

carrying or handling the duffel bags. At trial, Deputy Hollowell testified there were no 

fingerprints or other physical evidence on the bags or their contents. He also 

acknowledged there were no receipts linking the defendants to the cell phones found 

inside the two duffel bags. Deputy Hollowell testified that Northwest Correctional 

Center is a penal institution where prisoners are quartered.

Brock Sain, a special agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, testified as 

an expert witness for the State. As a special agent and forensic scientist, his duties 

include testing and identifying controlled substances brought to the laboratory by law 

enforcement. Agent Sain was tasked with identifying the packages of plant material

found in the defendant‟s duffel bags by Deputy Hollowell. Upon visual inspection, 

Agent Sain identified the plant material in the packages as marijuana. Agent Sain 

removed and unwrapped one of the individual packages and weighed it. The weight of 

the plant material from that package, without the wrapper, was approximately twentynine grams. Agent Sain explained there are approximately twenty-eight grams in an 

ounce, and approximately fourteen grams in one-half ounce. Agent Sain also weighed 

the other packages together. The total weight of the packages was approximately 390 

grams, or fourteen ounces. Using a sample of the material, Agent Sain conducted a 

microscopic and modified Duquenois-Levine color test. Both tests confirmed the plant 

material was in fact marijuana. He then prepared a report of his findings, which was 

entered into evidence at trial.

Lieutenant David Ables, an investigator at the prison, testified the prison is a 

penal facility where approximately 2400 inmates are housed. The prison has a history of 

problems with contraband; the biggest contraband problems being illegal drugs, cell 

phones, and tobacco. The prison consists of some areas that are enclosed behind walls 

and razor wire and other areas that are simply behind a fence. Inmates who earn a lower 

security classification are allowed to go outside the prison walls and perform 
- 3 -

maintenance on the prison grounds. Lieutenant Ables explained the Proctor City Road 

area, where the defendant was found, is a well-known drop site for smuggling illegal

contraband into the prison. The portion of the ditch where Deputy Hollowell located the 

defendant is not accessible to inmates. Someone attempting to smuggle contraband into 

the prison would need to get closer to the prison property before inmates would actually 

be able to access the contraband. Lieutenant Ables explained that other popular drop 

spots for contraband include the prison greenhouse and firing range. The defendant was 

found about one half to three quarters of a mile away from the prison‟s greenhouse and 

firing range. There is also an area about 200 yards from where the defendant was found, 

near a “No Trespassing” sign, which is also accessible to inmates. Finally, Lieutenant 

Ables stated the defendant had been an inmate of the prison and was released 

approximately two weeks prior to this incident. 

Lieutenant Joseph Vernon of the Lake County Sheriff‟s Office testified there had 

been a number of contraband arrests made in the Proctor City Road area. On February 

17, 2013, Lieutenant Vernon received a phone call from Deputy Hollowell informing him 

that he had arrested two individuals with two large duffel bags containing contraband. 

Based on his extensive career in law enforcement, including twenty-two years with the 

Department of Correction, Lieutenant Vernon was familiar with the street value of 

marijuana, as well as its value inside prison facilities. He explained thirteen to fourteen 

ounces of marijuana, depending on the quality, would be worth at least between $1300 

and $1400 on the street. That same amount of marijuana, depending on the prevalence of 

marijuana within the specific facility, would be worth at least $20,000 or more inside a 

prison. Cell phones were also a very valuable commodity in most prisons. Lieutenant 

Vernon testified he knew of instances where inmates paid more than $500 dollars to have 

a cell phone smuggled into prison. Lieutenant Vernon testified he worked at Northwest 

Correctional Center for fifteen years before moving to internal affairs. He knew the area 

along Proctor City Road where the defendant was found. He confirmed it is a popular 

location for smuggling contraband into the prison.

The State rested its case after calling Deputy Hollowell, Special Agent Sain, 

Lieutenant Ables, and Lieutenant Vernon. Following a jury-out hearing, the defense 

rested without presenting any proof. The jury found the defendant guilty of the 

following: possession of marijuana over one-half ounce with intent to sell or deliver

(Count 1); attempt to introduce contraband, marijuana, into a penal institution (Count 2); 

and attempt to introduce contraband, cell phones, into a penal institution (Count 3). On 

March 26, 2015, the trial court sentenced the defendant to six years under Count 1, 

twelve years under Count 2, and eleven months and twenty-nine days under Count 3. 

The trial court ordered all sentences to run concurrently, for a total effective sentence of 

twelve years. 
- 4 -

On April 22, 2015, the defendant filed a timely motion for new trial alleging the 

evidence was insufficient to support his convictions, numerous errors on the part of the 

trial court, and deficiencies in the indictments and jury verdict. On November 23, 2013, 

the trial court heard argument on the defendant‟s motion for new trial. The trial court 

denied the defendant‟s motion, and this timely appeal followed. On appeal, the defendant 

argues: the evidence presented at trial is insufficient to support his convictions; the trial 

court erred in allowing testimony regarding the defendant‟s incarceration at Northwest 

Correctional Complex; the trial court erred in excluding statements made by the 

defendant at the time of arrest; and the indictments in Count 1 and Count 2 are defective. 

The State argues the evidence is sufficient to support the defendant‟s convictions, the trial 

court did not err by allowing testimony regarding the defendant‟s recent incarceration, 

and the indictments are not defective. Following a thorough review of the record and 

briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Analysis

I. Sufficiency of The Evidence

When a defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence on appeal, the 

relevant question for the reviewing court is “whether, after viewing the evidence in the 

light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the 

essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” State v. Evans, 838 S.W.2d 

185, 190-91 (Tenn. 1992) (citing Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979)). All 

questions involving the credibility of witnesses, the weight and value to be given the 

evidence, and all factual issues are resolved by the trier of fact. See State v. Papas, 754 

S.W.2d 620, 623 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1987). “A guilty verdict by the jury, approved by 

the trial judge, accredits the testimony of the witnesses for the State and resolves all 

conflicts in favor of the theory of the State.” State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474, 476 (Tenn. 

1973). Our Supreme Court has stated the rationale for this rule:

This well-settled rule rests on a sound foundation. The trial judge and the 

jury see the witness face to face, hear their testimony and observe their 

demeanor on the stand. Thus the trial judge and jury are the primary 

instrumentality of justice to determine the weight and credibility to be 

given to the testimony of witnesses. In the trial forum alone is there human 

atmosphere and the totality of the evidence cannot be reproduced with a 

written record in this Court.

Bolin v. State, 405 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tenn. 1966) (citing Carroll v. State, 212 Tenn. 464, 

370 S.W.2d 523 (1963)). “A jury conviction removes the presumption of innocence with 

which a defendant is initially cloaked and replaces it with one of guilt, so that on appeal a 
- 5 -

convicted defendant has the burden of demonstrating that the evidence is insufficient.”

State v. Tuggle, 639 S.W.2d 913, 914 (Tenn. 1982). 

Guilt may be found beyond a reasonable doubt where there is direct evidence, 

circumstantial evidence, or a combination of the two. State v. Matthews, 805 S.W.2d 

776, 779 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990) (citing State v. Brown, 551 S.W.2d 329, 331 (Tenn. 

1977); Farmer v. State, 343 S.W.2d 895, 897 (Tenn. 1961)). The standard of review for 

sufficiency of the evidence “„is the same whether the conviction is based upon direct or 

circumstantial evidence.‟” State v. Dorantes, 331 S.W.3d 370, 379 (Tenn. 2011) 

(quoting State v. Hanson, 279 S.W.3d 265, 275 (Tenn. 2009)). The jury as the trier of 

fact must evaluate the credibility of the witnesses, determine the weight given to 

witnesses‟ testimony, and reconcile all conflicts in the evidence. State v. Campbell, 245 

S.W.3d 331, 335 (Tenn. 2008) (citing Byrge v. State, 575 S.W.2d 292, 295 (Tenn. Crim. 

App. 1978)). Moreover, the jury determines the weight to be given to circumstantial 

evidence and the inferences to be drawn from this evidence. Dorantes, 331 S.W.3d at 

379 (citing State v. Rice, 184 S.W.3d 646, 662 (Tenn. 2006)). The extent to which the 

circumstances are consistent with guilt and inconsistent with innocence are questions 

primarily for the jury. Id. This Court, when considering the sufficiency of the evidence, 

shall not reweigh the evidence or substitute its inferences for those drawn by the trier of 

fact. Id.

The defendant argues the evidence was insufficient to convict him of possession of 

a controlled substance, marijuana, with intent to sell or deliver, because there was no 

evidence that the defendant physically handled the duffel bags or that he had the power 

and intention to exercise dominion and control over the drugs. He also argues the 

evidence was insufficient to support his convictions for attempting to introduce 

contraband into a penal facility. Specifically, he argues there was no evidence he

possessed the duffel bags and, therefore, acting with the kind of culpability necessary to 

commit the completed crime, and there was no evidence of acts in furtherance of the 

attempted crime. After viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, we 

disagree with the defendant.

A. Count One – Possession of A Controlled Substance, Marijuana, With Intent 

to Sell or Deliver.

It is an offense for a defendant to knowingly possess a controlled substance with 

intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell the controlled substance. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-

17-417(a)(4). A violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-17-417(a)(4) 

involving more than one-half ounce but less than ten pounds of marijuana is punishable 

as a Class E felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(g)(1). “Before a defendant may be 

convicted of possessing a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, distribute, or 
- 6 -

sell, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt the substance was a controlled 

substance and the defendant possessed the substance with the intent to manufacture, 

deliver or sell the substance.” State v. Cooper, 736 S.W.2d 125, 128 (Tenn. Crim. App. 

1987). “It may be inferred from the amount of a controlled substance or substances 

possessed by an offender, along with other relevant facts surrounding the arrest, that the 

controlled substances were possessed with the purpose of selling or otherwise 

dispensing.” Id. 

The act of possession may be actual or constructive. Id. at 129. “In order for a 

person to „constructively possess‟ a drug, that person must have the „the power and 

intention at a given time to exercise dominion and control over . . . [the drugs] either 

directly or through others.‟” Id. (quoting State v. Williams, 623 S.W.2d 121, 125 (Tenn. 

Crim. App. 1981)). In other words, “constructive possession is the ability to reduce an 

object to actual possession.” Id. Constructive possession depends on the totality of the 

circumstances in each case and may be established through circumstantial evidence. 

State v. Robinson, 400 S.W.3d 529, 534 (Tenn. 2013); see also Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-

419 (stating that possession may be inferred from “relevant facts surrounding the arrest”).

However, the presence of a person in an area where drugs are found is not, by itself, 

sufficient to support of finding of constructive possession. Id. 

When viewing the facts in the light most favorable to the State, the evidence 

sufficiently supports the defendant‟s conviction for possession of marijuana with intent to 

sell or deliver. The proof at trial revealed the defendant and his codefendant were 

discovered lying in a ditch on the side of the road, just after midnight, on a cold February 

morning. Proctor City Road, the road where Deputy Hollowell found the defendant, is a 

rural road adjacent to a prison. The area is well known by prison officials and law 

enforcement as a “hotspot” for smuggling illegal contraband. The ditch where the 

defendant was hiding leads directly to the prison garden and firing range, areas also 

known to be “hotspots” for contraband. Two large duffel bags containing cell phones, 

cell phone charges, forty-four pounds of tobacco, and a leafy material later determined by 

Agent Sain to be 390 grams of marijuana valued at approximately $30,000 were found 

one to two feet from the defendant. 

The facts in this case show more than mere presence at a location where drugs 

were found. See State v. Bigsby, 40 S.W.3d 87, 91 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000) (finding 

each case to be fact specific, so the defendant‟s presence in a location where narcotics are 

sold in addition to other incriminating facts can be sufficient to establish criminal 

liability). Based on this evidence, a jury could rationally conclude the defendant 

possessed marijuana with the intent to deliver or sell it. The defendant is not entitled to 

relief on this issue. 
- 7 -

B. Counts Two and Three – Attempt to Introduce Contraband Into A Penal Facility

Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-16-201 (b)(1) and (3) provides:

(b) It is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Knowingly and with unlawful intent take, send or otherwise cause to be 

taken into any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under 

custodial supervision any . . . controlled substances or controlled substance 

analogues . . .

(3) Knowingly and with unlawful intent take, send or otherwise cause to be 

taken into any penal institution where prisoners are quartered or under 

custodial supervision any telecommunication device.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-201 (b)(1), (3). Telecommunication device is defined under 

the statute to include cellular phones. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-16-201 (a). 

Criminal attempt occurs when a person:

[a]cts with the intent to complete a course of action or cause a result that 

would constitute the offense, under the circumstances surrounding the 

conduct as the person believes them to be, and the conduct constitutes a 

substantial step toward the commission of the offense.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-12-101 (a)(3). Therefore, “a defendant who acts with the required 

culpable mental state „may be convicted of criminal attempt based on conduct 

constituting a substantial step toward the commission of the offense.‟” State v. Davis, 

354 S.W.3d 718, 729 (Tenn. 2011) (quoting State v. Richardson, 251 S.W.3d 438, 443 

(Tenn. 2008)). Our Supreme Court has held:

[W]hen an actor possesses materials to be used in the commission of a 

crime, at or near the scene of the crime, and where the possession of those 

materials can serve no lawful purpose of the actor under the circumstances, 

the jury is entitled, but not required, to find that the actor has taken a 

“substantial step” toward the commission of the crime if such action is 

strongly corroborative of the actor‟s overall criminal purpose.

State v. Reeves, 916 S.W.2d 909, 914 (Tenn. 1996). 

As noted above, the defendant was found lying in a ditch on the side of a road 

within feet of two large duffel bags filled with illegal contraband. The ditch where 

Deputy Hollowell discovered the defendant is close to the eastern boundary of Northwest 
- 8 -

Correctional Center. Deputy Hollowell found the defendant on a very cold February 

morning just after midnight. The prison had a history of problems with contraband being 

smuggled onto prison grounds. The defendant had been released from the same penal 

facility two weeks prior to his arrest, and the area where he was found is known to be a 

“hotspot” for smuggling contraband into the prison. Deputy Hollowell and Lieutenant 

Ables both testified that the prison was a penal facility that housed around 2400 inmates. 

Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, the evidence 

was sufficient to support the defendant‟s conviction for attempt to introduce contraband 

into a penal facility. Again, the defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue. 

II. Prior Incarceration of the Defendant

The defendant argues the trial court erred by allowing Lieutenant Ables to testify 

that the defendant had been incarcerated at Northwest Correctional Center and released 

approximately two weeks prior to his arrest on Proctor City Road. The defendant 

contends Lieutenant Ables‟ testimony was equivalent to evidence of a prior crime or bad 

act and should have been excluded under Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b). The State 

responds that the defendant‟s recent incarceration was relevant to the defendant‟s intent 

to introduce contraband into a correctional facility, so the trial court properly allowed the 

testimony. We agree the trial court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the testimony.

Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b) generally prohibits “[e]vidence of other 

crimes, wrongs, or acts . . . to prove the character of a person in order to show action in 

conformity with the character trait.” State v. Jones, 450 S.W.3d 866, 891 (Tenn. 2014). 

Rule 404(b) allows such evidence in limited circumstances for purposes other than 

proving action in conformity with a character trait. Id. The rule sets out certain 

procedural requirements the trial court must follow:

(1) The court upon request must hold a hearing outside the jury‟s presence;

(2) The court must determine that a material issue exists other than conduct 

conforming with a character trait and must upon request state on the 

record the material issue, the ruling, and the reasons for admitting the 

evidence;

(3) The court must find proof of the other crime, wrong, or act to be clear 

and convincing; and

(4) The court must exclude the evidence if its probative value is outweighed 

by the danger of unfair prejudice.

Tenn. R. Evid. 404(b)(1)-(4). The comments to Rule 404(b) provide that evidence of 

other crimes, wrongs, or acts should be excluded unless relevant to an issue other than the 
- 9 -

character of the defendant, such as identity, motive, intent, or absence of mistake. Jones, 

450 S.W.3d at 891 see also Tenn. R. Evid. 404, Advisory Commission cmt. 

Trial courts are encouraged to take a “restrictive approach [to] [Rule] 404(b) . . . 

because „other act‟ evidence caries a significant potential for unfairly influencing a jury.” 

State v. Dotson, 254 S.W.3d 378, 387 (Tenn. 2008). In Dotson, our Supreme Court 

explained the policy in favor of exclusion:

The rationale behind the general rule is that admission of other wrongs 

carries with it the inherent risk of the jury convicting a defendant of a crime 

based upon his or her bad character or propensity to commit a crime, rather 

than the strength of the proof of guilt on the specific charge . . . As this 

Court has consistently cautioned, the jury should not “be tempted to convict 

based upon a defendant‟s propensity to commit crimes rather than . . . 

evidence relating to the charged offense.”

Id. Provided the trial court substantially complied with the procedure of Rule 404(b), the 

trial court‟s decision to admit or exclude evidence will not be overturned on appeal 

absent an abuse of discretion. Jones, 450 S.W.3d at 891. However, if the trial court 

failed to substantially comply with the strict procedural requirements of Rule 404(b), no 

deference is given to the trial court‟s decision to admit or exclude evidence. State v. 

Dubose, 953 S.W.2d 649, 652 (Tenn. 1997). Where the trial court fails to follow the 

procedural requirements of Rule 404(b), this Court will determine admissibility based on 

the evidence presented at the jury out hearing. Id. 

In this case, prior to trial the defendant filed a motion in limine requesting the trial 

court to exclude any reference to his prior incarceration at Northwest Correctional Center 

or his prior convictions, and following a hearing, the trial court granted the motion.

1

In 

its Order Granting Motion in Limine, the trial court ruled:

This cause came to be heard on February 24, 2014, upon the motion 

of the [d]efendant, George Washington Matthews, for an order prohibiting 

the State‟s use of prior criminal acts to show that the [d]efendant had been 

incarcerated at the Northwest Tennessee Correctional Complex, or to show 

the [d]efendant‟s bad character or propensity to commit a crime. After 

consideration of the motion and the statements of counsel, the Motion was 

 

1

The parties failed to include a transcript from the February 24, 2014, hearing in the 

record, so the precise arguments of the parties and the statements of the trial court are unknown. 

While it would have been helpful for the transcript to have been included with the record, it was 

not necessary for the purpose of this Court‟s ruling.
- 10 -

granted, as the probative value of the evidence is substantially outweighed 

by the danger of unfair prejudice.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that 

the [d]efendant‟s Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence of Defendant‟s 

Prior Criminal History to Show Confinement is GRANTED.

Prior to opening statements, the State re-raised the defendant‟s motion in limine 

and asked for clarification of the trial court‟s order, stating:

[The defendant] early on filed a motion to keep out the – as I understood 

the motion – to prohibit the State from referring to [the defendant‟s] prior 

criminal history, he‟s a Career Offender, as a way of showing that [the 

defendant] had been an inmate at Northwest Corrections. And the way I 

read the order was that I couldn‟t do that. But I did not read – I don‟t 

remember that being discussed that there wasn‟t any way we could 

introduce the fact that he had been an inmate at Northwest only fifteen days 

before this happened.

And I do intend to introduce that testimony if the Court will allow it 

because I believe it‟s incredibly relevant to why he was there that night –

that morning. And there are cases and it is – it is somewhat prejudicial, all 

evidence is prejudicial. If it‟s not it‟s not relevant. But in order to exclude 

it you would have to find that the prejudice substantially outweighs the 

relevance. 

In response, the defendant argued that if the State calls a witness to testify 

regarding the defendant‟s prior incarceration, it will be necessary to lay a foundation 

regarding the defendant‟s prison stay. The defendant cautioned that the State may 

attempt to introduce evidence regarding the defendant‟s familiarity with how contraband 

is moved in and out of the prison, and his administrative record may become an issue. 

Further, the testimony would implicate the reason for the defendant‟s incarceration and 

the length of his incarceration. According to the defendant, at that point, the evidence 

would become unfairly prejudicial.

The trial court then ruled:

All right, gentleman, I think that is certainly relevant, a relevant 

issue and it may have some, be prejudicial in a way, but its probative value 

certainly outweighs the prejudicial effect. Now, there‟s some limitations on 

what you‟re gonna do now[.]
- 11 -

. . .

[Y]ou can ask [Lieutenant Ables] if [he] can identify George

Washington Matthews but then you – then you simply will ask him if he 

was an inmate at . . . a particular time and when he was discharged.

The State complied with the trial court‟s order. With respect to the defendant‟s 

prior incarceration, the State asked only, “Do you have personal knowledge of whether 

the defendant, the gentleman seated over here, Mr. George Washington Matthews, was an 

inmate shortly before February 17 of 2013 at the Northwest Correctional Facility?” 

Lieutenant Ables responded, “He was released from Northwest on February 2nd, 2013.” 

The parties did not present any evidence as to the reason for the defendant‟s prior 

incarceration or the length of his prior incarceration.

Here, the trial court substantially complied with the requirements of Rule 404(b). 

The trial court held a hearing on the defendant‟s motion in limine prior to trial and ruled 

that the State could not use the defendant‟s criminal record and prior incarceration to 

show the defendant‟s bad character or propensity to commit crime. Outside the presence 

of the jury, the State later asked for clarification as to whether it could ask Lieutenant 

Ables if the defendant had been released from the prison shortly before his arrest in this 

case. After considering the arguments of the parties and the potential testimony of 

Lieutenant Ables, the trial court found the potential testimony to be relevant and balanced 

the probative value of the testimony against its prejudicial effect. The trial court ruled 

that with limitation the probative value of the evidence outweighs its prejudicial effect 

and allowed the State to ask about the defendant‟s prior incarceration and date of release 

but not the reason for and length of the defendant‟s incarceration. The defendant 

conceded he had been a prior inmate at the prison and was released merely fifteen days 

prior to his arrest, so it was not necessary for the trial court to find clear and convincing 

proof of this. While the trial court could have better articulated the material issue other 

than conduct conforming to the defendant‟s propensity towards criminal behavior, the 

record shows the trial court substantially complied with the requirements of Rule 404(b),

and we review the trial court‟s admission of Lieutenant Ables‟ testimony for an abuse of 

discretion.

At trial, the State had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant 

intended to knowingly take the duffel bags containing contraband into the prison and 

took a substantial step towards doing so. The defendant contested the element of intent at 

trial and instead took the position he and his codefendant happened to lie down in the 

ditch on Proctor City Road in the same spot the two duffel bags of contraband were 

located, but the bags did not belong to them. The trial court prohibited the State from 

presenting evidence of the defendant‟s criminal history and most recent incarceration as 
- 12 -

propensity evidence, and instead allowed limited testimony regarding the defendant‟s 

release from the prison merely fifteen days prior to his attempt to sneak contraband into 

the prison. This evidence was relevant to the jury‟s consideration of the defendant‟s 

intent. The trial court had a reason to admit Lieutenant Ables‟ limited testimony other 

than to show propensity. Further, the trial court carefully limited the testimony to be 

offered, and the jury did not know the reason for the defendant‟s incarceration, the length 

of the defendant‟s incarceration, or anything about the defendant‟s behavior while 

incarcerated. The trial court did not err in permitting Lieutenant Ables‟ testimony 

regarding the defendant‟s prior incarceration. See State v. March, 497 S.W.3d 52, 81 

(Tenn. Ct. Crim. 2010). Moreover, any shortcomings in the details of the trial court‟s 

ruling are harmless due to the overwhelming evidence of the defendant‟s guilty. The 

defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.

III. The Indictments

1. Count One – Possession With Intent to Sell or Deliver A Controlled 

Substance, Marijuana.

The defendant argues his indictment for possession with intent to sell or deliver 

marijuana included a charge for two offenses, sale and delivery, in a single count, thereby 

depriving him of a unanimous verdict. The State contends the indictment charges only 

one offense, “possession with the intent” to sell or deliver. We agree with the State.

Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-17-417 sets forth four distinct criminal 

offenses: (1) manufacturing a controlled substance, (2) delivering a controlled substance, 

(3) selling a controlled substance, and (4) possessing a controlled substance with the 

intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell it. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(a)(1)-(4); see also 

State v. Greg Harris, No. E2003-02834-CCA-R3-CD, 2005 WL 419082 at *11 (Tenn. 

Crim. App. Feb. 23, 2005) (noting “the legislature intended the manufacture, delivery, 

sale, and possession of controlled substances to be separate substantive offenses.”). 

Count One of the indictment charged that the defendant “knowingly, unlawfully, and 

feloniously did possess with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, namely, 

Marijuana, in an amount in excess of 1/2 ounce,” an offense codified under Tennessee 

Code Annotated section 39-17-417(a)(4). Possession of a controlled substance with 

intent to sell or deliver is a single, independent offense with its own subpart, so it is 

properly charged in a single count. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(a)(4); see also

Ricardo Davidson v. Chapman, No. M2014-00565-CCA-R3-HC, 2014 WL 7011499 at 

*3 (Tenn. Crim. App. Dec. 12, 2014). Accordingly, the defendant is not entitled to relief 

on this issue.
- 13 -

2. Counts Two and Three – Introduction of Contraband into A Penal Facility

The defendant argues that counts two and three of his indictment were insufficient 

to put him on notice of the offenses charged and to protect him against double jeopardy. 

The State responds that the language of the indictment plainly stated the offenses the 

defendant was charged with and was sufficient to confer jurisdiction on the court. We 

agree with the State. 

Pursuant to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of 

Tennessee, “an indictment must provide the accused with the „nature and cause of the 

accusation‟ being made against him/her.” State v. Smith, 492 S.W.3d 224, 239 (Tenn. 

2016) (citing U.S. Const. amend. VI; Tenn. Const. art. I, § 9). “An indictment must 

present facts in such a way that „enable[s] a person of common understanding to know 

what is intended.‟” Smith, 492 S.W.3d at 239; see Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-13-202. Our 

Supreme Court has held that “an indictment is valid if it provides sufficient information 

(1) to enable the accused to know the accusation to which answer is required, (2) to 

furnish the court adequate basis for the entry of a proper judgment, and (3) to protect the 

accused from double jeopardy.” State v. Byrd, 820 S.W.2d 739, 741 (Tenn. 1991). “[A]n 

indictment meets statutory and constitutional requirements if it „achieve[s] the overriding 

purpose of [providing] notice to the accused.‟” Smith, 492 S.W.3d at 239 (quoting State 

v. Hill, 954 S.W.2d 725, 727 (Tenn. 1997)). 

Count Two and Count Three of his indictment charged the defendant with 

attempting to violate Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-16-201, which prohibits the 

introduction of contraband into a penal facility. A person commits criminal attempt when 

acting “with the intent to complete a course of action or cause a result that would 

constitute the offense . . . and the conduct constitutes a substantial step toward the 

commission of the offense.” Therefore, the State was required to prove two elements: 

the culpability required for the attempted crime; and an act or acts in furtherance of the 

completed crime. See State v. Davis, 354 S.W.3d 718, 729 (Tenn. 2011). 

The defendant‟s indictment states in pertinent part:

COUNT TWO

The GRAND JURORS of LAKE COUNTY, TENNESSEE, duly 

empaneled and sworn upon their oath, present that GEORGE 

WASHINGTON MATTHEWS . . . on or about February 17, 2013, in 

LAKE County, Tennessee, and before the finding of this indictment,

unlawfully and knowingly, with unlawful intent, did attempt to take a 

controlled substance, to-wit: Marijuana, a Schedule VI drug, into the 
- 14 -

Northwest Correctional Complex where prisoners are quartered in violation 

of TCA § 39-16-201. This is a Class D Felony and is against the peace and 

dignity of the State of Tennessee.

COUNT THREE

THE GRAND JURORS of LAKE COUNTY, TENNESSEE, duly 

empaneled and sworn upon their oath, present that GEORGE 

WASHINGTON MATTHEWS . . . on or about February 17, 2013, in 

LAKE County, Tennessee, and before the finding of this indictment, 

unlawfully and knowingly, with unlawful intent, did attempt to take 

contraband, to-wit: cell phones, into the Northwest Correctional Complex 

where prisoners are quartered, in violation of TCA § 39-16-201. This is a 

Class A Misdemeanor and is against the peace and dignity of the State of 

Tennessee. 

While Count Two and Count Three do not reference the attempt statute, the 

indictment satisfies the requirements of the United States Constitution, the Tennessee 

Constitution, and Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-13-202. The defendant was on 

notice that he was charged with the knowing attempt to introduce illegal contraband into 

Northwest Correctional Complex. The indictment is also sufficient to place the trial court

on notice that a judgment and sentence for attempted introduction of contraband into a 

penal facility would be proper upon conviction. Lastly, the indictment provides the 

defendant protection from double jeopardy by expressly stating the date and location of 

the offenses with particularity. Although the language used in the indictment “did 

attempt” is a general description, it charges a violation covered by the criminal attempt 

statute and was sufficient to place the defendant on notice of the accused crime, to confer 

jurisdiction on the trial court, and to protect the defendant against double jeopardy. Wyatt 

v. State, 24 S.W.3d 319, 325 (Tenn. 2000) (citing Hill, 954 S.W.2d at 727)). The 

defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue. 

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing authorities and reasoning, we affirm the judgments of the 

trial court.

____________________________________

J. ROSS DYER, JUDGE