Staunton, Virginia- An obscenity trial in Staunton is over with the jurors turning in their verdict.
After Hours Video store owner Rick Krial and his company were both found guilty on one count of selling an obscene item by a Staunton jury Friday afternoon. However, both were found not guilty on a second charge of obscenity.
Store employee Tinsley Embrey was found not guilty on two charges of obscenity. All charges were misdemeanors.
“I’d like to say I’m very happy that I was acquitted,” says Embrey. “I do not agree with the decision that was made toward the company nor towards Mr. Krial. I believe we both should have been acquitted. I will say, however, I feel that it was a very fair trial.”
“There will be a lot of discussion and negotiation and thought about where we go for the future,” says Commonwealth’s Attorney Raymond Robertson. “But for today, I’m just elated.”
“You heard the judge deal with the mistrial motions. I think there’s a lot on the table here. The last chapter hasn’t been written, that’s for sure,” says Paul Cambria Jr., attorney for Rick Krial.
“Hey, that’s fine. Bring it on. We’re ready,” says Robertson.
Krial was fined $1,000 and the store received a $1,500 fine. The maximum penalty for these charges could have been 12 months in jail, or up to a $2,500 fine, or both