In a recent turn of events, a man with a lengthy criminal record has been handed down a significant prison sentence, as announced by the District Attorney's Office in Knoxville. Dontarion Taylor, 44, having already been convicted on various charges, has pled guilty to a set of offenses before his trial could commence, leading to an extended stay behind bars.
Taylor's latest run-in with the law added a thirty-five-year sentence to his prior twenty-three years, for combined charges of drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful firearm possession, and evading arrest, according to the Knox County District Attorney's Office. This conviction comes after an incident on May 7, 2020. Knoxville Police Department Officer Luis Vazquez heard gunshots, saw a muzzle flash from a white Dodge Charger, and upon pursuit, discovered that Taylor had shot himself in the leg, subsequently leading to a collision.
A thorough search by the police revealed a substantial quantity of heroin, weighing 460 grams, and an illegal AK-47 rifle on the passenger side of Taylor's car. Knoxville's Assistant District Attorney, TaKisha Fitzgerald, highlighted in the plea hearing that Taylor was not new to the criminal justice system—his three prior felony convictions barred him from firearm possession. After making bond for the initial arrest, Taylor slipped through the legal system's grasp, leading to the need for a subsequent arrest warrant. When finally apprehended again, he was found with another firearm and cocaine intended for sale.
DA Charme Allen had strong words for repeat offenders like Taylor, stating, "Convicted felons who repeatedly arm themselves should expect to receive lengthy prison sentences," as mentioned on the Knox County District Attorney's Office website. The cumulative convictions for Taylor now amount to fifty-eight years in custody. In addition to the charges leading to his current sentence, Taylor has previous convictions for Aggravated Robbery, Sale of Oxycodone, and Attempted Aggravated Burglary. The process involved several members of the legal team. Including Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett and Legal Secretary Cathleen Wilson, whom aided in securing the prosecution.
For individuals seeking more details or having questions, the contact provided by the District Attorney's Office is Sean McDermott. He can be reached at 865-215-2515 or via email at [email protected]. There's also a website available for further information about the District Attorney's Office's ongoing work and community engagement; they maintain an online presence on various social media platforms, including Facebook and X.
