Bismarck Synth-Drug Trial Goes To Jury

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The synthetic drug trial of the owner and manager of the Discontent skate shop in Bismarck is in the hands of the jury.

Owner Thomas Teply, of Moorhead, Minnesota, and manager Steven Johnson, of Bismarck, are accused of operating a business where synthetic drugs were sold.

Jurors began deliberating Friday, then were sent home for the weekend. They were to reconvene Monday.

Bismarck police busted the business in June 2012. Authorities also initially charged eight store clerks but dropped the charges after the clerks agreed to cooperate with the state investigation.

Teply could face up to 30 years in prison and Johnson 45 years if convicted. Both testified in their own defense last week, saying they did not knowingly sell controlled substances.