Phillip A. Lawson, 34, entered a plea of guilty to one count of drug possession and two counts of trafficking in drugs on Monday and was subsequently sentenced as per a negotiated plea agreement.
Lawson had originally pleaded not guilty to four counts of possession of drugs, five counts of trafficking in drugs and one count of receiving stolen property for alleged offenses that occurred in January and July 2010.
Moreover, Lawson failed to appear for a scheduled jury trial in December 2010 in this matter and was later arrested by U.S. Marshals in Columbus on a warrant for failure to appear. He has remained in custody in the Gallia County Jail since January 3, 2011.
On Monday, Lawson pleaded guilty to one count of possession after he was in the possession of 1.92 grams of crack cocaine, a fourth degree felony, on July 25, 2010; and to two counts of trafficking in drugs, a third degree and fourth degree felony, respectively, after he prepared 5.1 grams of crack cocaine, as well as Oxycodone for shipment or distribution on Jan. 19, 2010.
In consideration of the guilty plea, the court dismissed the remaining seven counts of the indictment.
Lawson was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment for possession of drugs, four years incarceration for trafficking in crack cocaine and 11 months for trafficking in Oxycodone. The 11 month sentences were ordered to be served concurrently with each other and consecutively with the four-year sentence for a total of four years and 11 months imprisonment.
Lawson was also ordered to forfeit a 1995 Ford Explorer to the Gallipolis Police Department, as well as $556 in cash, three flat screen televisions, a computer, a 9mm pistol, a laptop, an amplifier, a pressure washer and a XBox 360 to the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office as proceeds of the offenses.
Lawson’s operator’s license will also be suspended for five years. He was ordered to pay the court costs and a $5,000 fine.
The defendant was given credit for time served.
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