Staff Writer

A Union man who pulled a knife on a deputy and a Department of Social Services case worker was sentenced to 90 days in prison Monday.

Charles Thomason, 33, of 358 Wesley Chapel Road, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault of a high and aggravated nature and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

He originally was charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill but was allowed to plead guilty to the lesser charges. He also faced a charge of possession of methamphetamine, but a lab test of a substance found in his house showed it was not the drug.

Circuit Judge John C. Hayes III of Rock Hill sentenced Thomason to 10 years in prison on the assault charges but suspended the sentence to 90 days and three years of probation. The sentence on the cocaine charge was three years, suspended to 90 days.

Charges of unlawful neglect by a legal custodian and resisting arrest were dropped against Thomason as part of his plea bargain.

A report said that on March 30, 2006, Cpl. Russell Vinson was called to Thomason's house with a DSS case worker to check on the well-being of a child there. The DSS worker said a report had been received that Thomason was using drugs and neglecting the child, who is 5.

Vinson and the case worker knocked on the door several times, identifying themselves and saying they needed to talk with Thomason about the child

Thomason opened the door and came at Vinson and the female case worker with a large knife in his hand, cursing them.

Vinson pulled his gun and told Thomason to put the knife down. Thomason ran inside and locked the door. Vinson kicked in the door and chased Thomason out the back door to a vehicle. Thomason attempted to leave. Vinson told Thomason to put the knife down and get out of the vehicle. After a brief struggle Thomason was arrested.

The child was found in a bedroom. Drug paraphernalia was in plain view on a dresser.

When Thomason's wife came home she gave officers consent to search. Vinson found three small bags containing what was believed to be powder cocaine and methamphetamine in a box in the bedroom. Pipes used to smoke marijuana and methamphetamine also were confiscated. Straws with residue were found in several locations around the house.

The following people pleaded guilty Monday in General Sessions Court:

Lee Clark, 108 Pine Knoll Road, Union, to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, 10 years suspended to time served, five years probation, restitution and $500 to the public defender fund.

Marvin Fowler, 109 Pine St., Union, to resisting arrest, one year and $1,000 suspended to $200.

Aaron Maness, 118 Old Hickory Road, Buffalo, to use of a vehicle without owner's consent, one years suspended to one year probation, $1,100 restitution and $500 to the public defender fund.

Leroy Spencer Jr., 210 Williams St., Union, to assault and battery, 30 days or $25.