Upshur County man sentenced to 99 years in prison

UPSHUR COUNTY – According to a press release from the Criminal District Attorney of Upshur county, a man has been sentenced to a 99 year life sentence

On February 2, 2024, a search warrant was executed by the Upshur County Sheriff’s office for the home of Jimmy Wayne Skinner, 51. During the search, officers discovered methamphetamine, syringes, and other drug paraphernalia, along with loaded guns near a recliner where Skinner had been sitting.

As he was exiting his living quarters, Skinner immediately closed the door behind him, and was non-compliant with officers’ orders to get on the ground. He stated that he, “ain’t afraid to go to jail”, and attempted to block the door to prevent officers from entering. He was subsequently arrested.

With the trial court’s records, the Court of Appeals stated, “There are sufficient affirmative links to establish that Skinner had possession of the shotgun. The testimony and the physical evidence support Skinner’s proximity and access to both the contraband and the shotgun. Skinner’s incriminating statement and actions provide links to the contraband and to the shotgun…”

On August 14, 2024, Skinner was found guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Felon ans a Habitual Offender by a jury, and was sentenced to a 99 year prison term in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.