Spartanburg Man Receives Life Prison Sentence

A career criminal received a life prison sentence without parole today after he was found guilty of breaking into a home on the west side of Spartanburg and stealing more than $1,000 worth of valuables.

John Willie Mack, 41, of Spartanburg, was found guilty of first-degree burglary and grand larceny at the conclusion of a two-day jury trial. Circuit Judge Derham Cole sentenced Mack in accordance with the state’s two-strike/three-strike law for repeat violent offenders.

Mack’s prior criminal record dated back to 1987 with numerous convictions for property crimes and driving offenses.

The burglary occurred Sept. 6, 2005 at a West Victoria Road home. The occupant of the home found an open window and an open door when she came home from a trip. Electronic and computer equipment valued at more than $1,300 were taken. Spartanburg Public Safety investigators discovered several spots of blood in the home that didn’t belong to anyone who lived at the residence. Investigators used DNA tests to identify Mack as the suspect in February of 2006. Investigators jailed Mack once they interviewed the victim again and learned she didn’t know him.

“The City of Spartanburg is a safer place with John Willie Mack behind bars for the rest of his life,” Assistant Solicitor Tony Leibert said.

Leibert teamed with Solicitor Barry Barnette to prosecute the case.

For more information, contact Murray Glenn at 809-4892.