BY RITA COOK / Freelance Writer
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WAXAHACHIE – An Ellis County jury convicted Kelton Everett Evans Jr., 30, of Grand Prairie of Possession of a Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1-B (Fentanyl) with Intent to Deliver on March 11.
Evans was sentenced to 60 years in prison and a fine of $75,000.
In a release by the Ellis County District Attorney’s office it reported, “The evidence showed that on July 3, 2024, Italy PD Officer Cameron Geddie conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on I-35 for expired registration.
After smelling the odor of marijuana, he searched the vehicle and found over 2,500 pills which looked like and were marked as Oxycodone.
Evans, the passenger in the vehicle, claimed ownership of the drugs but denied selling them, telling the officer that they were all for his personal use.
DPS crime lab tested the pills and reported that what had appeared to be Oxycodone was actually 2,573 Fentanyl pills totaling 280 grams.”
The trial lasted three days, with the jury rejecting the defendant’s claim that he was an addict and not a drug dealer.
“Fentanyl disguised as another substance is one of the most dangerous drugs on our streets today,” said lead prosecutor Kayce Witt.
“This defendant chose to traffic in 2,573 counterfeit pills putting countless lives in danger, including the officers that attempt to enforce the law.
“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that Ellis County will not tolerate those who attempt to profit from selling fentanyl in our community.
“This should also serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of taking pills that are sold on the street.”
Recent changes regarding parole laws in certain Fentanyl cases requires a defendant to serve at least half of their sentence before being eligible for parole, which means Evans will have to serve 30 years before being considered for parole.
