By BOB GIBBINS
A Cherokee County man with previous felony convictions has new drug and firearm possession counts.
Donald Wayne Oeal, 50, was charged this week with possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm while on probation or after former conviction.
An arrest warrant was issued for Oeal, with a $25,000 bond set by Special District Judge Sandy Crosslin.
Prosecutors allege Oeal had a firearm and drugs when they served a search warrant on his home near Cookson earlier this year.
Oeal was not home at the time the warrant was served.
Cherokee County court records show Oeal has previous convictions for both offenses. Documents have been filed in the new case to show the previous convictions, which may be used to enhance Oeal’s punishment, if he is convicted of the new charges.
The drug possession count is filed with the intent to distribute, which carries a possible prison sentence of two years to life and/or a fine of up to $20,000.
The firearm count is punishable by imprisonment for one to 10 years.
The charges were filed following an investigation by the District 27 Drug Task Force.
Assistant District Attorney David Pierce is prosecuting the case.
