Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83

Jamiel Chagra was acquitted of murder and conspiracy to murder but convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess marijuana; he was later convicted of tax evasion. Jo Ann Harrelson was convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and later convicted of five counts of perjury. Elizabeth Chagra was convicted of conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conspiracy conviction February 15, 1985, on the grounds that the prosecution failed to show premeditation and malice. In exchange for agreeing to testify against Charles, Jo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra faced only the lesser charges. Joseph Chagra pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit murder and received a sentence of ten years. Jamiel Chagra was tried separately, in Jacksonville, Florida and received a sentence of 15 years and was fined $120,000 on the charge of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess marijuana. Without his brother's testimony, Jamiel was acquitted of conspiracy to murder charges.

Harrelson's jury found him guilty of murder of a federal employee, and he was also convicted on the charges of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He was sentenced to two life sentences. His wife received a total of 25 years on the conspiracy and perjury charges; Elizabeth received 30 years on the conspiracy and tax evasion charges.