Jury sentences woman to 24 years for drug possession

Sheila Hendrix, 43, from Eustace was sentenced by a jury in Judge Carter Tarrance's court to 24 years for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

The jury was selected on Tuesday and the trial began the same day. The defendant was arrested by Officer John Dixon with the Eustace Police Department for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Officer Dixon responded to a disturbance call at the Town and Country RV Park on November 22, 2006. When he arrived he received consent to search the defendant's vehicle and residence. He discovered over one gram of methamphetamine in the vehicle and residence. Chief Robert Walker took custody of the evidence which included the drugs and numerous small baggies. Dixon took a statement from the defendant and she stated she used methamphetamine and sold it to help pay for her bills and rent.

District Attorney Donna Bennett prosecuted the case for the State. Samuel Smith represented the defendant.

Bennett stated "The Eustace police department did an excellent job in recovering the drugs and obtaining the statement from the defendant. They also video recorded the entire incident; I think this was very helpful to the jury."

The jury deliberated about 15 minutes before returning the guilty verdict and about 45 minutes before assessing her punishment at 24 years.

"The jury sent a message that possession and delivery of methamphetamine is not acceptable conduct in our county. Hendrix chose to deal drugs and she was punished appropriately," Bennett stated.

The defendant had previously been sentenced to the penitentiary out of Judge Carter Tarrance's court for driving while intoxicated.