According to a report in the Evansville Courier and Press, Evansville school board member Amy Word was found guilty on Friday of maintaining a common nuisance after a three-day trial. The verdict was confirmed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson, Ellora Daily, shortly before 12:30 p.m. The trial took place in Sullivan County due to significant media coverage in Evansville.

Word, 48, faced the Level 6 felony charge after detectives alleged she was aware of drug use and dealing at her bar, Lamasco Bar & Grill. This charge followed a broader investigation into drug activities along Franklin Street’s nightlife district. Prosecutors argued that Word knew cocaine was being sold to her bar’s patrons and employees, turning the establishment into a hub for illegal activity.

In a significant move earlier this year, Word sold Lamasco Bar & Grill and her other restaurant, Amy’s on Franklin. Despite her ongoing legal battles, Word took a leave of absence from her school board position following her arrest on July 30, 2022, consistently maintaining her innocence throughout the court proceedings.

During the trial, prosecutors presented witness testimonies, including from convicted drug dealers, to support their claims. One key witness, Demario Montez Holman, testified that he sold cocaine at Lamasco Bar & Grill with Word’s knowledge. Holman, facing his own drug charges, was granted “use immunity” to encourage his cooperation.

Word’s defense, led by attorney John Canada, contested the credibility of the state’s witnesses, highlighting their motives to lie for leniency. Canada emphasized that Holman’s testimony was unreliable, given his potential 30-year prison sentence.

Despite these efforts, the jury found Word guilty. “We disagree with the jury’s verdict, but we accept it,” Canada stated, acknowledging the fairness of the trial and indicating Word’s desire to move on with her life. It remains undecided whether Word will appeal the conviction.

Following the verdict, Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. attorney Pat Shoulders confirmed that Word could no longer serve on the school board, leaving her District 3 seat vacant. Prosecutor Diana Moers expressed relief at the conviction, stating, “The defendant’s businesses are no longer in operation, and she will no longer be eligible to serve on the school board as a convicted felon.”

The trial, overseen by Vanderburgh County Judge David Kiely, will proceed to sentencing on August 5. Under Indiana law, Level 6 felony convictions can result in six months to two-and-a-half years in prison, though first-time offenders like Word often receive probation.

Moers emphasized the extensive experience of the investigators and attorneys in handling narcotics cases, underscoring the overwhelming evidence against Word. She remarked on the missed potential for Word to positively impact the community, lamenting her choice to engage in activities that brought crime and violence to Evansville.

As Word awaits her sentencing, the community reflects on the impact of the case and the broader issues of drug-related crimes in the area.