AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.
The Williamson County District Attorney's Office said 61-year-old William Augustus Bryant pleaded guilty to manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and was sentenced by a jury on Aug. 1. He will also have to pay a $10,000 fine as part of his sentence.
The charges against Bryant stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). On July 15, 2023, DPS troopers stopped a vehicle driven by Bryant and discovered a bag containing fentanyl in the vehicle.
Further investigating led to the discovery that Bryant was a drug dealer, which lead to a search warrant being issued and executed at his residence.
During the search, officers recovered a variety of narcotics, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, mushrooms and marijuana. Seven firearms and two stolen motorcycles were also recovered.
During sentencing, Williamson County prosecutors presented evidence of Bryant’s role in an aggravated kidnapping that happened six days after the search of Bryant’s residence. They also brought up evidence of Bryant’s significant criminal history, which included prior convictions for driving while intoxicated (DWI), possession of controlled substances, theft and disorderly conduct.
“Bryant’s criminal activities posed a serious threat to public safety," Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick said after Bryant's sentencing. "Bryant’s guilty plea and lengthy sentence are a significant victory for our community and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Williamson County.”