Rockwall County jury sentences local man to 40 years on drug charge

ROCKWALL, TX (June 14, 2021) A Rockwall County jury has convicted Rockwall County resident, Marlon Lall, 45, of the offense of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine in an amount of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams. Less than one hour after retiring to deliberate on punishment, the jury sentenced Lall to forty (40) years in a Texas prison.

Jurors heard testimony that on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, Rockwall Police Department Narcotics Detectives Jeff Lutes and Jeff Ingalls observed the defendant at a house that was known for possible narcotics trafficking. They requested assistance from patrol, and Officer Jordan Pope with the Fate Department of Public Safety pulled Lall over for multiple traffic violations. Officer Pope’s trained K-9 partner, Czar, quickly alerted on the passenger side of the vehicle. After a search, officers found multiple baggies of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other various controlled substances, along with scales and numerous empty baggies and other drug paraphernalia used to package and sell narcotics. A rifle and multiple ammunition magazines were also found in the backseat of the vehicle concealed in a stringed instrument case.

In punishment, the State introduced evidence that Lall had been previously convicted and sentenced to prison for multiple prior offenses including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).

“The jury certainly sent a strong message that the trafficking of dangerous narcotics will not be tolerated in Rockwall County,” said lead prosecutor, Ty McDonald. “The joint effort among members of Rockwall Police Department and Fate DPS is what led to a successful prosecution of this now four-time convicted felon.”

“I hope that drug dealers continue to learn the lesson that when they come to Rockwall County to distribute their poison to our residents and children, they will be caught and spend much of their life in prison,” said Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper. “Drugs, especially those like methamphetamine and fentanyl, destroy lives. Our thanks to law enforcement for continuing to be vigilant in keeping our communities safe.”

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.

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