On Tuesday, October 13th, an Oconee County jury deliberated less than one hour before convicting 41 year old Gary Martin Wirtz of Trafficking Methamphetamine 3rd offense and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. The Honorable Letitia H. Verdin imposed a sentence of 25 years. Mr. Wirtz will not be eligible for parole.
Wirtz’s charges stemmed from a July 2019 encounter with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office where he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, a loaded firearm, and drug paraphernalia.
“This was the first trial in the 10th Judicial Circuit that was authorized by South Carolina Court Administration since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. The Oconee County Clerk of Court’s Office worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all parties so that this trial could proceed,” stated Solicitor David Wagner. “Special thanks to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office for their hard work in this case. Mr. Wirtz is a career criminal and repeat drug offender. Today’s sentence sends a strong message to repeat offenders in our community that their behavior has serious consequences.”