Three Healdton residents, charged in a methamphetamine manufacturing case, who fled the area rather than have their day in court two weeks ago, faced the judicial music Monday when they appeared before a judge from the county jail.
Michael, Dana and Preston Royal were all captured in Oklahoma City late last week. Carter County deputies returned the trio to Ardmore late Friday.
Michael Royal had been scheduled to stand trial in the case charging him with endeavoring to manufacture methamphetamine during the June trial docket. The 38-year-old’s prior criminal record had earned him the possibility of an enhanced penalty if jurors deliberating his case convicted him. Rather than facing a jury he disappeared.
The other two family members had waived their rights to trial in the same case. Dana and Preston Royal had both indicated they would enter pleas rather than chance jury verdicts. They were no-shows at their plea hearings. The trio became fugitives when “failure to appear” bench warrants were issued for their arrests.
Assistant District Attorney Brad Noland confirmed late Monday the group had once again made initial appearances in district court. All three remain jailed pending the posting of the warrant bonds. Michael Royal faces a $25,000 “cash only" bond. Dana Royal is held on a $50,000 bond and Preston Royal continues to be incarcerated on a $100,000 bond.
The trio was originally netted by Carter County deputies and Healdton police and subsequently charged along with Gayla A. Gibson in November. Court records indicate Gibson appeared in court in December. She entered a no contest plea and was convicted.
What’s the next judicial process step for the Royal trio?
Noland said the group was ordered to step onto the court trail at the same point they had chosen to detour on their short-lived fugitive route. Dana and Preston Royal are now scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. July 29 to enter the pleas they were supposed to make earlier this month. They are scheduled to appear before Associate District Judge Lee Card.
“Michael will appear before District Judge Tom Walker at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 12 to be placed back on the trial docket,” Noland said.
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com
Marsha Miller 221-6529
