SENECA — Timothy Lee Blassingame, a Seneca man with multiple prior drug arrests and a conviction for armed robbery in Georgia, was dealt a harsh sentence on Wednesday in what law enforcement officers are calling a resounding victory for investigators and prosecutors alike.

On Feb. 24, Blassingame reportedly sold a small amount of crack cocaine to a confidential informant working under the supervision of the Seneca Police Department’s narcotics unit on South Depot Street. He was subsequently arrested and charged with distribution of crack cocaine.

A jury during Oconee County general sessions found him guilty on Tuesday and sentenced him to the maximum — 30 years, no probation granted and no years of the sentence suspended.

“This case started with us at the Seneca Police Department, but the outcome couldn’t have come without Chrissy Adams, Lindsey Simmons and the cooperation of Ken Washington at the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office,” said John Crum of the Seneca Police Department.

Scott Sprouse represented Blassingame, and reportedly honed his defense on the reliability of the police’s informant in the undercover buy.

“Mr. Sprouse put up a great defense for what he had to work with,” Crum said. “But I think the jury sent a message that the citizens of Oconee County aren’t going to tolerate this kind of activity here.”

Crum said the cooperation between the solicitor’s office, OCSO and Seneca Police exemplified the type of teamwork necessary to combat Oconee County’s drug scene.

“It takes everyone working together to fight this drug problem in Oconee County,” Crum said. “The message here is that it doesn’t matter how much you distribute. Even if it’s a small amount, if you distribute, you’re going to be caught, and you’re going to be convicted.”

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