Tyler man labeled habitual offender gets life for drug charges

Published 2:00 pm Thursday, August 29, 2024

A Smith County jury on Wednesday sentenced Billy O’Neal Black, 63, to life in prison for possession of a controlled substance in the amount of four grams or more but less than 200 grams.

The jury was informed of Black’s three previous felony convictions, classifying him as a habitual offender with a punishment range of 25 years to life. The jury also learned Black was on parole for several felonies at the time of the offense.

During a routine traffic stop, a Tyler police officer noticed a tube sock safety pinned to the inside of Black’s waistband, according to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. When the officer asked about its contents, Black fled. After he was apprehended, officers found multiple bags of crack cocaine and methamphetamine, individually packaged for sale, along with marijuana, powder cocaine mixed with Viagra and approximately $1,200 in cash.

Tyler police officers testified the evidence indicated Black was selling narcotics.

The case was prosecuted by Smith County Assistant District Attorneys Zach Gillmore and Casey Sirianni in the 241st Judicial District Court, with Judge Debby Gunter presiding.