Testimony continues in drug smuggling case

JUNEAU - The trial of two alleged drug bosses continued Thursday with more testimony from alleged drug mules.

Geralyn Sue Dougherty, 42, said she transported drugs from California and New York into Juneau for both Aaron Washington and Vonnie Williams. The pair are accused of multiple felonies, including operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

If convicted, they could face up to 99 years in prison.

Dougherty said she met Williams in a half-way house and later went on several trips for him as a drug mule, including one he set up from prison.

Dougherty was a key witness in July in a separate trial against Washington, who was found guilty of drug dealing charges.

Dougherty is currently in prison for other drug-related charges and has said in both trials that she is testifying as part of a deal to have some of her time reduced. She has a lengthy criminal record including a 1989 conviction for a criminally negligent homicide that involved the death of her child, according to statements made in court.

Also on Thursday, lawyers wrangled over who should be on the hook for transporting an inmate who has been characterized as a key witness for the defense from a maximum-security prison in Seward to the trial.

A lawyer for the Department of Corrections said it would cost between $5,000 and $17,000 to transfer the inmate because of his violent record and because no advance notice had been given.

The trial is scheduled to continue today.