DRUG BUST LEADS TO 18-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR SPARTANBURG MAN

A Spartanburg man received an 18-year prison sentence this afternoon after jury decided that he was guilty of possessing quantities of crack cocaine and heroin during the execution of a police search warrant.

James Thomas Williams, 46, was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin within a half mile of a school, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine; possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within a half mile of a school and possession of cocaine.

Spartanburg Public Safety officers arrested Williams during a Dec. 12, 2003 traffic stop that occurred near the intersection of Briarwood Road and Old West Main Street. During a search of Williams’ car and his WO Ezell Boulevard home, officers found 4 grams of crack cocaine, .36 grams of cocaine and .22 grams of heroin.

Williams’ criminal record dates back to 1980 with seven drug-related convictions and a conviction for assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. He will have to serve 85 percent of his current prison sentence before he is eligible for release.

Assistant Solicitors Jennifer Jordan and Sarah Ganss prosecuted the case.