Two criminal trials were completed late last week and Monday in Carbon County court.

They, along with a trial held on Aug. 4, were the first held by the county court during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The jury selection, trial and jury deliberations were all held in courtroom 1 of the courthouse in Jim Thorpe, with special conditions set up to follow the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic.

Jury deliberations, normally held in a room off the courtroom, were held in the main courtroom so social distancing could be achieved.

Split verdict

A jury panel found a New Jersey man guilty of two drug counts but not guilty of two assault counts following a one-day trial last Thursday.

Michael Bruno,

55, of Bayonne, was found guilty of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors, and not guilty of two counts of simple assault.

He was charged by state police at Fern Ridge for an incident on Aug. 4, 2017, in Penn Forest Township.

Assistant District Attorney Robert Frycklund prosecuted the case. Bruno was represented by Attorney Brian Collins of Allentown.

Judge Steven R. Serfass presided at the trial. He deferred sentencing to a later date.

Not guilty

Patrick Kelly,

34, of Lansford, was found not guilty of driving under the influence of a controlled substance charges.

He was charged by Lehighton police following an incident on Nov. 1, 2017.

District Attorney Michael S. Greek prosecuted the case and Kelly was defended by attorney Matthew J. Mottola, of the public defender’s office.

The one-day trial was held before Judge Joseph J. Matika.

The trials concluded the August term of criminal court.