'In control' conviction determined

A superior court jury April 16 convicted Julian C. Lester, 35, Pullman, of being in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. The jury also found that Lester had three or more offenses within the last 10 years.

Lester was arrested Feb. 8 while he was parked in a van along the Pullman-Albion Road near the Pat Old Road intersection.

According to the arrest report, Lester told deputies he had consumed four 40-ounce beers that night. He underwent a breath test that indicated a blood alcohol content of .169. One 40-ounce beer can was reportedly found in the passenger seat of the van.

Another car was parked that night near the van and deputies learned a vehicle repair operation had been underway. The report said Lester denied he planned to drive the van.

The evidence exhibit list for the trial included video recordings from body cameras on the deputies at the time of the arrest and prior court records of Lester’s convictions.

Lester had been in jail here since his Feb. 8 arrest in lieu of posting bail, which was set at $100,000 surety or $10,000 cash.

His sentencing has been scheduled for April 27.