A Palo Pinto County jury sentenced 47-year-old Terry Jay Williams to 85 years in prison Wednesday after finding him guilty of possessing methamphetamine.
Williams was arrested April 28th when Mineral Wells Police Officer Brian Key found him in a parked car at West City Park and discovered 7.35 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket. Prosecutors said the amount was enough to get about 70 people high.
During the trial, officers testified that Williams had been seen earlier outside a known drug dealer’s home and that he was already wanted on a parole violation warrant. Williams told officers the pants containing the drugs were not his, but officers testified they fit him well and required no belt to stay up.
The jury deliberated less than an hour before returning a guilty verdict. In the punishment phase, prosecutors presented Williams’ criminal history, which included 28 prior convictions and multiple felonies such as burglary, organized criminal activity, and assaulting a peace officer. Testimony also showed Williams had used meth while on bond and failed to meet supervision requirements.
Lt. Brian Boetz of the Mineral Wells Police Department, a burglary victim, and Community Supervision Director Chester Watkins testified about Williams’ past offenses and supervision violations. Palo Pinto County Investigator Waylon “Beau” Boles also presented photos of Williams’ tattoos, including a swastika on the back of his head.
After about 46 minutes of deliberation, the jury handed down the 85-year sentence. The punishment range was enhanced because of Williams’ prior felony convictions.
District Attorney Jett Smith praised the outcome, calling it a team effort:
“Securing a conviction and sentence of this nature is a team effort. The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Mineral Wells Police Department, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office, Courthouse Staff, and the Community Supervision Office for their hard work and diligence in helping to secure such a favorable result.”
Smith added that the verdict sent a clear message:
“This sentence, handed down by members of our community, sends a strong message. The District Attorney’s Office will aggressively prosecute individuals who possess dangerous drugs in close proximity to areas set aside for the benefit of our children, especially when those individuals are habitual criminals. This type of behavior is not tolerated in Palo Pinto County.”