On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, a Rockwall County jury convicted Kilgore resident, James Fears, 48, of the offense of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine in an amount of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams. Less than 40 minutes after retiring to deliberate on punishment, the jury sentenced Fears to thirty-five (35) years in prison.
Jurors heard testimony presented by lead prosecutor Dan Malouf that on July 25, 2021, Rockwall County Sheriff’s Deputies Alexander Bricker and Todd Hall observed a vehicle that appeared to be in distress in the northbound traffic lane of 2000 S. Goliad Street in Rockwall. At this time, deputies observed Fears get out of the vehicle, place items from the cab of the vehicle into the truck bed, and then return to the passenger seat of the vehicle. Deputies made contact with the occupants of the vehicle at which time Deputy Bricker observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the cab. Fears admitted that the paraphernalia was his. While conducting a subsequent investigation and related search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine, multiple small individual baggies, a funnel, and two scales in the truck bed.
After Fears was found guilty and during the punishment phase of the trial, ADA Malouf introduced evidence that Fears had been previously convicted and sentenced to a Texas prison for multiple prior offenses including Forgery, three counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Felony Assault Family Violence.
“Mr. Fears came to Rockwall with the purpose to sell drugs,” said Assistant District Attorney Dan Malouf. “Through the hard work of law enforcement, we were able to put on a strong case. A Rockwall County jury handed Mr. Fears a fitting punishment to let him and everyone know that selling illegal drugs won’t be tolerated here.”
“We appreciate the diligence of law enforcement that continues to keep our communities safe,” said Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper. “Officers are well-trained to assess a situation on the road and further investigate reasonably suspicious activity. Because of their quick thinking, one more drug dealer is out of commission.”
