Repeat Offender Sentenced to Fifty-Eight Years

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Career Gang Unit obtained convictions against a repeat offender who shot himself in the leg.  Dontarion Taylor, 44, was set to begin trial today but pled guilty before the trial began.  Taylor pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Sell over 150 Grams of Heroin, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Evading Arrest.  As part of the plea agreement, Judge Scott Green ordered Taylor to serve thirty-five years in prison consecutive to a twenty-three-year sentence he was already serving.

In a plea hearing, Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald explained to the court that on May 7, 2020, Knoxville Police Department Officer Luis Vazquez was on East Fifth Avenue when he heard multiple gunshots and saw a muzzle flash coming from a white Dodge Charger.  Ofc. Vazquez shined his spotlight into the vehicle and observed Taylor put the car in reverse and flee the scene with his driver’s door open.  As Ofc. Vazquez pursued the vehicle, Taylor lost control and wrecked the vehicle.  Ofc. Vazquez discovered that Taylor had shot himself in the leg.  Officers began administering first aid to Taylor.  After a K9 alert, officers discovered 460 grams of heroin and a pistol-grip AK-47 rifle in the passenger floorboard.  Taylor had three prior felony convictions making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.  After making bond, Taylor did not appear for court, and a warrant issued for his arrest. When he was arrested on that warrant, Taylor was found in possession of another firearm and cocaine for resale.  Taylor was sentenced to serve twenty-three years for that set of charges.  Today’s plea adds thirty-five years to that for a total effective sentence of fifty-eight years.

“Convicted felons who repeatedly arm themselves should expect to receive lengthy prison sentences,” said DA Allen.

In addition to these charges, Taylor has been convicted of Aggravated Robbery, Sale of Oxycodone, and Attempted Aggravated Burglary.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Sheri Burkett and Legal Secretary Cathleen Wilson aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.