Ballard
MONTICELLO – A 46-year-old Rock Hill man, described as “major
player” in a drug distribution conspiracy, was sentenced in Sullivan
County Court on Monday to 14 years in state prison with five years of
post-release supervision for criminal possession of a controlled substance
as a felony, 7 ½ to 15 years in prison for felony conspiracy, and
10 years in prison with five years of post-release supervision for criminal
possession of a weapon. He will serve a combined sentence of 19 years
behind bars.
Robert Ballard was arrested following an investigation into the distribution
of cocaine and heroin in Sullivan County in February 2016. He was found
in possession of 300 grams of cocaine in the glove compartment of his
car that was destined for distribution on the streets and to co-defendant
Adrian Phillip.
A search warrant was later executed at Ballard’s home where police
found more cocaine, 46 grams of heroin, and two illegal and loaded handguns.
He pled guilty to all three charges in April and was sentenced as a second
felony offender having a prior conviction in 2004 in Kings County for
attempted possession of a weapon.
District Attorney James Farrell said based on Ballard’s status as
a second felony offender, and his convictions for several prior felonies,
including robbery and attempted robbery, and the significant role he played
in the drug trafficking conspiracy, he recommended a total sentence of
19 years in prison.
Ballard was no stranger to the criminal justice system and had previously
served six to 12 years and four years to life in state prison for robbery
and illegal gun possession charges.
His wife, Simona Ballad, who was also initially charged with possession
of the drugs found in the car in which she was a passenger, pled guilty
to criminal possession of a weapon for illegal possession of a billy club
found in the car. Her husband took full responsibility for the drugs and
guns.
Simona Ballard had a prior felony conviction for tampering with physical
evidence in Kings County in 1996. Farrell’s office recommended a
sentence of three years of probation; the court sentenced her to a conditional
discharge.
Chief Assistant DA Meagan Galligan prosecuted the case.
