A man found guilty on multiple drug charges is now facing nearly six decades in prison.

On Thursday morning, Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge Christen Finley sentenced Spanish M. Smith, 29, of Proctorville, to 54 years in prison.

Smith had been found guilty on one count of trafficking in heroin, a felony of the first degree, an amount over 100 grams that designates him a major drug offender, with specifications to firearms and cash; five counts of trafficking in heroin, felonies of the fourth degree; five counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs (methamphetamine), felonies of the second degree; and one count of having weapons while under disability, a felony of the third degree.

Lawrence County Prosecutor Brigham Anderson said that he had asked for a sentence of 54 years and that he felt it was an appropriate sentence since Smith was trafficking large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl before he was arrested by the Lawrence County Drug and Major Crimes Task Force in February.

“He had a horrible criminal history including home invasion, including voluntary manslaughter. So, he had several opportunities to reform and the last time he got out of prison, he began selling drugs here in Lawrence County in a couple different locations,” Anderson said. “He is a major drug trafficker. He was originally from Detroit and came to our community.”

When task force officers obtained search warrants for two apartments utilized by Smith, they found approximately 120 grams of heroin, with an approximate street value of $10,000, 121 grams of methamphetamine, with an approximate street value of $10,000, $33,385 in cash, two loaded shotguns, digital scales and baggies for packaging drugs.

“He was a major trafficker, so I feel this sentence is appropriate,” Anderson said.

Anderson said that Smith’s criminal history is why he took the stance he did and feels the sentence was appropriate to protect the community.

“I am absolutely happy to have him off the streets,” Anderson said.

All the sentences are to run consecutive, or one after the other, so Smith will be imprisoned for a long time.

“I’m not sure he will have to serve the full 54 years, but I can’t even tell you when he would be eligible for judicial release or transitional control because it will be so far in the future.”