NAVARRO COUNTY, Texas — A jury has convicted a man on felony drug and weapon charges and sentenced him to 25 years in prison, according to court officials.
44-year-old Antonio Dewayne Murphy was found guilty Tuesday in Navarro County Court at Law of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and possession of a controlled substance between 4 and 200 grams.
The charges stem from a June 2021 incident when Murphy drove his vehicle into a flooded area near Chambers Creek and northbound Interstate 45 around 2:50 a.m. Authorities said Murphy and a passing motorist both called 911 for assistance.
Deputies with the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office responded to check on Murphy’s welfare. During the encounter, a deputy reported smelling alcohol and observing signs of intoxication. A pat-down search led to the discovery of a pistol, along with baggies containing pills and cocaine in Murphy’s pocket.
During the trial, the defense argued that deputies violated Murphy’s rights and urged the jury to disregard the evidence. The court allowed the evidence to be considered.
Prosecutors also presented information during the trial that Murphy allegedly obtained confidential juror information during jury selection and used it to contact a juror, with assistance from a relative. Deputies reported the incident after receiving a complaint from a juror.
During the sentencing phase, prosecutors introduced records showing Murphy’s prior criminal history, which included multiple assault and drug-related offenses, as well as two prior prison sentences.
The jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before returning a sentence of 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Assistant District Attorneys Katy Colts and Enoch Basnett prosecuted the case. Murphy was represented by attorney Damara Watkins.
