SMITH COUNTY, Texas — An East Texas drug dealer has been sentenced to 45 years in prison.
According to the Smith County District Attorney's Office, on Thursday, a Smith County jury found Anton Stewart Jr., 26, of Chandler, guilty of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Evidence at trial revealed after a traffic stop and search of the Stewart's vehicle, he was in the possession of approximately seven grams of methamphetamine, over one gram of cocaine, 79 Xanax pills and two digital scales.
Tyler police say the amount of controlled substances and the digital scales were consistent with the defendant dealing narcotics.
During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard of Stewart’s lengthy criminal history, as well as the fact the defendant absconded from his original trial date and had to been tracked down and re-arrested.
Smith County judicial records show Stewart had previously been arrested at least 15 times.
Based on his criminal history, the range of punishment was 15 years to life in prison.
