By Patsy R. Brumfield

Mississippitoday.org

Appeals are likely after an Oxford federal jury Wednesday found guilty two men accused in a white supremacy prison-based drugs and murder conspiracy.

Frank George Owens Jr. of D’Iberville and Eric Glenn Parker of Petal face lengthy sentences in the case, which prosecutors say is the culmination of a two-year investigation in north and south Mississippi.

U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson presided over the trial, which began April 4. He will sentence the men in a few months.

Parker’s attorney, Josh Turner of Oxford, said he’ll appeal the verdict.

“The government presented absolutely no proof to support venue in the Northern District of Mississippi and the jury verdict is not supported by the evidence, as to my client,” Turner said.

Andy Sumrall of Jackson, Owens’ attorney, was not immediately available to comment, nor was lead prosecutor Scott Leary, an assistant U.S. attorney.

Owens and Parker were indicted in 2014, along with 14 others, after an investigation of the Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi.

A 31-page indictment accused them of various roles in a conspiracy to possess methamphetamines with intent to distribute to support their alleged activities of gang rule inside and outside of state prisons in Mississippi.

Owens and Parker also faced kidnapping and murder charges in the death of Michael James Hudson in 2010 in south Mississippi. Owens also was accused of attempting to murder a fellow inmate in August 2013.