Drug Seller Faces ‘Three Strikes’ Sentence

A man found guilty Tuesday of selling $10 worth of rock cocaine faces 25 years to life in prison under the new “three strikes” legislation.

Billy Sharod, 30, was arrested in May outside an Anaheim motel after selling the drugs to an undercover narcotics officer, according to prosecutors. Sharod’s criminal record dates back to 1984 and includes convictions for two robberies, grand theft and petty theft.

Deputy Public Defender Dan Cook said he believes law enforcement officials charged the wrong man. Cook said Sharod was found in possession of the marked $10 bill used during the undercover operation but said a witness testified at trial that another man looking for change had given Sharod the $10 bill.

The Orange County Superior Court jury rejected that argument, however, and deliberated just a few hours before convicting Sharod.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Bruce Moore said he intends to seek the toughest sentencing against Sharod, who is the third “three strikes” defendant convicted by jury in Orange County. But Cook said he does not believe such a sentence is appropriate.

“I don’t think a $10 rock should send someone away for life,” Cook said.

Jurors were not told what sentence Sharod faced if found guilty. Sentencing is set for Dec. 2.

Signed in March by Gov. Pete Wilson, the “three strikes” law cracks down on repeat offenders. Defendants convicted of two or more serious crimes, ranging from burglary to murder, face 25 years to life in prison when convicted of any third felony.