Ross Taylor of Atlantic was convicted in December of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute while possessing a firearm. On Thursday, Taylor was sentenced to serve five years in the penitentiary. The sentence is mandatory for the crime.
"This gentleman is 66 years old and has been a paraplegic for 30 years," said defense attorney Pat Robbins in a plea for leniency to circuit Judge Glen A. Tyler.
Robbins said the man's condition was the result of gunshot wounds. He described Taylor as having many health problems and said his client was "wheelchair-bound and bedridden." He said the man would have to go to a special facility, which would be very costly.
Robbins told the court that his client had "no prior record, no felonies, no drug charges." He said Taylor had family and friends in the courtroom to support him.
"I register a strong objection," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Matthew Brenner. "The five-year mandatory sentence is necessary. The defendant has many health problems, but he is selling drugs and is a community problem himself."
Asking about details of the case, the judge was told that the man had about $600 worth of cocaine and a loaded .32 caliber revolver in bed with him at the time of his arrest.
"This court has no discretion; the law does not allow the court to reduce the case," said Circuit Judge Glen A. Tyler.
Hearing this, Taylor, who was slumped over in his wheelchair, spoke up.
"I'm in bad shape, judge," he said.
Tyler responded that the Department of Corrections has "an elaborate and extensive system" for caring for people with physical and mental disabilities.
"You will be required to serve the sentence," he said.
Family members who accompanied Ross to the courtroom expressed shock, disbelief and anger.
"It's not right," said a woman who rushed to Taylor's side after hearing the sentence. "He was shot seven times and nobody did anything."
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