TYLER, Texas (KETK) – On Tuesday, an East Texas man was sentenced to 99 years in prison after multiple run-ins with the law regarding drug charges.
Benjamin Clark’s trouble with the law dates back to May 2023 when officers were informed that he was on parole while dealing drugs in Diana. A traffic stop was conducted by Upshur County Narcotics Officers after Clark failed to use his blinker.
A K9 unit reportedly alerted officers, prompting a search of the vehicle. The officers reportedly found several hidden drug compartments that contained methamphetamine and mushrooms. Clark was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, however he was later released from jail on bond.
He was arrested again in May 2024 by DPS for possession following a traffic stop.
On Aug. 5, 2024, Clark’s trial began where the district attorney submitted 15 prior convictions stemming since 1985. Nine of those convictions were felonies, the DA’s office said, which resulted in Clark being sentenced to federal and state prison.
Due to Clarks prior convictions, the state filed a notice of enhancement forcing Clark to be given a life sentence or a sentence of 25 to 99 years. On Tuesday, a jury found Clark guilty of possession of a controlled substance as habitual offender the jury opted to sentence him to 99 years in prison.
“The jury gave this sentence due to Clark receiving several opportunities of probation, county jail, prison and parole to fix his life decisions- nothing stopped him from continuing to break the law,” according to the DA office. “The jury rejected the defense’s argument for the minimum sentence of 25 years.”
