Convicted Greenwood meth trafficker back in custody after skipping last day of trial

GREENWOOD, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Officials said a Greenwood man who was convicted of trafficking methamphetamine but never showed up for the final day of his trial is back in custody.

The Greenwood Drug Enforcement Unit arrested 40-year-old Phillip Franklin Derrick in 2018 after a search warrant was served at his home. They found nearly 25 grams of meth in his pants pocket and inside a camper, they found more bags of meth and items used to distribute narcotics.

Derrick was in court for the first two days of his trial on Monday and Tuesday.

Despite his absence on Wednesday, he was found guilty by a jury. A circuit court judge sentenced Derrick, but the details of the sentencing were sealed until he was brought before the court again.

Deputies said Derrick was arrested Wednesday in Laurens County and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

He has a prior drug conviction.

“Drug dealers like Phillip Derrick push their poison on the streets, and the ripple effect of destruction in its wake is horrific,” said Solicitor David Stumbo.

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