Juror in child molestation case sent to jail

DECATUR - A juror who helped convict a preacher of child molestation has been jailed for contempt of court on accusations of trying to sell information about jury deliberations. <br> <br> Members of the Rev. Troy Brown&#39;s congregation tape-recorded juror William Powell&#39;s request for money in exchange for information that he said could get their pastor a new trial. <br> <br> Brown, pastor of Greater Anointing Tabernacle Worship Center in Lithonia, was convicted of sexually molesting a 15-year-old boy. He was sentenced on May 30 to 70 years in jail with no parole. <br> <br> Powell told a church member the jury had considered evidence that was not heard in open court, and he offered to provide details for $4,000 to $6,000. <br> <br> On Friday, Superior Court Judge Cynthia Becker gave Powell, of Tucker, the maximum possible sentence for criminal contempt, 20 days in jail and a $500 fine. <br> <br> Brown&#39;s court-appointed attorney, Ed Nethery, filed a motion for a new trial. Becker said she will hold hearings on the request and other defense motions in the case, but she would not say when.