A Knoxville man with a history of felony convictions has been handed a 45-year sentence following a conviction on charges including possession with intent to sell fentanyl and cocaine. This is according to a press release from the Knox County District Attorney's Office.
The Knox County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, during a search warrant executed on October 12, 2022, at Pryor's residence on 5201 Western Avenue, found him in the bedroom containing significant amounts of fentanyl meant for resale along with firearms, disclosed the press release. In addition to the narcotics officers located two loaded guns, digital scales, and about $8,000 in cash, raising the stakes in a city grappling with drug-related crimes.
Pryor, identified as a member of the Rollin 60s Crips and branded a "Career Offender" due to seventeen prior felony convictions for crimes ranging from aggravated kidnapping to weapon offenses, received his sentence from Senior Judge D. Kelly Thomas without the possibility of parole. "After getting out of prison, this offender chose to continue his criminal activity," DA Charme Allen asserted in the District Attorney's Office press release. "Because of that decision, he is headed back to TDOC."
Assistant District Attorneys TaKisha Fitzgerald and Molly Martin presented the case to the jury over a two-day trial in July, emphasizing the severity of Pryor’s continued criminal engagements following his release from prison. Along with the legal team, Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett and Legal Secretary Cathleen Wilson contributed to the prosecution's efforts, securing the lengthy imprisonment aimed at curtailing Pryor's influence on the streets.
