Judge dismisses drug case against Kenneth Walton Jr. after directed verdict

Last updated: June 23, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Judge Toni Terrett dismissed the drug case against Kenneth Walton Jr. on Tuesday, citing insufficient evidence to support the charges.

The case was in its second day of trial when Terrett granted a directed verdict in favor of Walton and released the jury from service.

Walton was represented by defense attorney Michael Winfield. Assistant District Attorneys Branan Southerland and Liem Walker prosecuted the case on behalf of the state.

Walton had been charged with trafficking and possession of mushrooms stemming from a 2023 arrest by the Vicksburg Police Department.

According to testimony, Walton was arrested on Clay Street after officers found him in possession of marijuana. Lt. Donnie Heggins later obtained a search warrant for a hotel room on Warrenton Road as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. During the search, Heggins and former investigator Matt Barnes discovered 40 methamphetamine pills inside the room.

The search was captured on body camera footage that was presented during the trial.

Winfield argued that Walton was innocent and maintained that, although investigators had the hotel room under surveillance, they never observed or recorded any illegal activity involving his client.

After hearing the evidence, Terrett sided with the defense and granted the directed verdict, dismissing the charges against Walton.