CAREER DRUG DEALER RECEIVES 25-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR DRUG DEAL

An Inman man received a 25-year prison sentence today for carrying more than 10 grams of cocaine.

Travis M. Smith, 30, was found guilty of trafficking cocaine at the conclusion of a jury trial. He will serve 85 percent of Circuit Judge Derham Cole’s prison sentence before he is eligible for release.

Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies arrested Smith and Joey Wood, 29, of Moore, during a Feb. 12, 2008 traffic stop on South Blackstock Road. Smith tried to flee the traffic stop on foot when he was questioned by deputies. He dropped a cellophane baggie containing cocaine when he tried to evade the deputies.

Charges are still pending on Wood.

Smith’s prior criminal record includes convictions for possession of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.

“Travis Smith is a good example of why our state has tough drug laws,” Assistant Solicitor Ryan McCarty said.

For more information, contact Murray Glenn at 809-4892.