State v. Battise

Birdsong, Presiding Judge.

The state appeals from a denial of its libel for condemnation by the trial court. On February 7, 1985, police officer James H. Hieronymus of the Chatham County Metro Drug Squad, observed Willie Battise, Jr., sell a “nickel” bag of a substance thought to be marijuana. Hieronymus met with a confidential informant and used him as a decoy. He searched the decoy for drugs and money and then gave him a $5 bill with which to purchase marijuana. He saw the decoy approach Battise and speak to him. Battise went to the passenger side of a ’76 Buick and pulled out a coin…