August 9, 2012
MADERA – A Madera County Superior Court jury convicted Leland S. Kerns Aug. 8, of two felony counts for transporting and possessing heroin for sale according to Madera County District Attorney Michael R. Keitz.
In 2009, Kerns, 52, of Madera, was driving on the east side of the city while under observation by agents of the Madera County Narcotics Enforcement Team. The agents then stopped Kerns, searched him, and found saleable quantities of heroin in his underwear.
A subsequent search of his residence uncovered more narcotic trafficking evidence.
In addition to convicting Kerns on the two felony counts, the jury also found true the special allegations that he had previously been convicted of rape by force and first-degree burglary and has served five different commitments to prison.
Kerns is scheduled to be back in the Madera Superior Court for sentencing on Oct. 15. Under California’s Three Strikes law, Kerns could be sentenced up to 30 years to life in prison.
This case was prosecuted by Madera County Deputy District Attorney Mary Thornton.
