East Texas man sentenced to life in prison for drug offenses

TYLER, Texas – An East Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of drug possession.

Billy O'Neal Black, 63, was found guilty by a jury on Wednesday of possession of a controlled substance. Officials say he was stopped during a routine traffic stop in Tyler when an officer noticed a sock pinned to the inside of Black's waistband. When asked about the sock, Black ran from the officer.

When Black was arrested, officers found several bags of crack cocaine and methamphetamine packaged for sale, as well as marijuana, powder cocaine mixed with Viagra, and about $1,200 in cash. TylerPD Officials testified that the evidence made it clear that Black was selling narcotics.

During the sentencing, the jury was presented with evidence that Black had three previous felony convictions, which classified him as a habitual offender, which carries a sentence of 25 years to life. The jury was also told that Black was on probation for several felonies at the time of his offense.