Hall testifies at trial

A Libby jury seeks a verdict Friday for a case, originating more than a year ago, resulting in the arrest of a former Hall’s Jewelry goldsmith, Randal Johns.

 Former owner of Hall’s Jewelry store, Greg Hall, first realized inventory from his store was missing in September 2010.

Hall waited until October 2010 to file a report with the Libby Police Department (LPD) when he determined the items missing must have been stolen. The report indicated a locked-bank bag containing 71 gold coins, varying from one-tenth ounce to one ounce, was missing.

The estimated amount for the items missing totaled approximately $30,000 to $31,000. However, fluctuations in the estimate, in Hall’s statements that were entered as evidence, were revealed to the jury. Estimates differed between $30,000 and $35,000.

During Hall’s testimony at the jury trial Wednesday, Johns’ defense attorneys questioned the reports and claims submitted by Hall to police and his insurance company. Conflicting reports filed by Hall between October 2010 and June 2011 showed varying quantities of specific coins — future reports also included items not previously noted, including scrap gold.

Defense attorneys questioned the discrepancies in Hall’s reports, including a $17,000 Yogo Sapphire ring reported missing in June 2011 — more than nine months after the initial report. However, the ring was reported as a loss in Hall’s insurance claim, yet it was not added to or included in the police reports.

LPD Officer Terry Watson was called to investigate in the initials throws of this case. During his investigation, Watson received statements referring to Johns as the suspect. Johns allegedly sold coins to a local business in late September and October 2010.

Johns’ residence was searched in 2010 for the remaining coins to no avail.

Before the court was recessed for lunch, defense attorneys launched a series of questions directed at Hall regarding his past whereabouts with Johns. Hall was asked if he had ever met with Johns in the parking lot of a local restaurant, offering him $2,000 in exchange for Johns’ cooperation in assisting him with the resale of some gold coins — Hall denied the accusation.

The jury trial will continue this week, final arguments and a verdict are expected late Friday.