TYLER, Texas — An East Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of possession of drugs.
Billy O'Neal Black, 63, was found guilty by a jury Wednesday for possession of a controlled substance. Officials say he was pulled over in a routine traffic stop in Tyler when an officer noticed a tube sock pinned to the inside of Black's waistband. When asked about the tube sock, Black ran from the officer.
Once Black was apprehended, officers found him in possession of multiple bags of crack cocaine and methamphetamine packed for sale, as well as marijuana, powder cocaine mixed with Viagra, and roughly $1,200 in cash. Tyler police officers testified that based on the evidence, it was clear Black was selling narcotics.
During his sentencing, the jury was presented evidence that Black had three previous felony convictions, which classified him as a habitual offender, which carries a punishment range of 25 years to life. The jury was also told that Black was on parole for several felonies at the time of his offense.