Tuesday afternoon, a jury composed of seven women and five men convicted a former Atmore corrections officer on the charges of driving under the influence and improper lights, all while three children were in the vehicle.

Rufus Evans III, 46, was arrested on Jan. 29, 2011 by Alabama State Trooper Matthew Kennedy at a safety checkpoint. The State was represented in the trial by Assistant District Attorney Lee Enzor, and the defendant was represented by defense attorney Riley Powell.

The day-long trial featured testimony from Kennedy, Alabama Department of Forensic Science’s Greg Turner, as well as a couple that are friends with Evans and were with

him prior to his arrest. Testimony was also given by both   Kennedy and Evans, which revealed that Evans had three children, two of which were his own, ages 11, 12, and 12 in the vehicle with him at the time of his arrest.

Following the verdict, Enzor said he was pleased with the jury’s decision.

“I am very pleased with the jury’s diligence,” he said. “We put forth a great deal of information to them in a short period of time. Had they not paid close attention, they could have gotten lost in it all. I appreciate their unselfish service.”

Sentencing for Evans is scheduled for Dec. 19, 2012 in front of Circuit Judge Lex Short, who presided over the trial.