A four-time convicted felon was sentenced Monday to 41 years for his fifth felony, authorities said.

Tracy Rowan was already on parole for a felony drug distribution conviction when he parked outside a house on West Strickland Street in Douglasville in December 2015. A probation officer and a police officer with a police dog saw him getting out of his car, the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Though he was already walking away, Rowan threw his backpack into the bushes when he saw the police dog. The officer arrested Rowan after finding 126 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, baggies and a 9mm handgun in the bag. In his pocket, Rowan had $7,000 in cash.

He also had pictures of guns, drugs and cash on his cellphone, the DA’s office said.

Because Rowan had twice previously been convicted of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute as well as possession of cocaine, aggravated stalking and theft by receiving a stolen firearm, the judge sentenced him to more than the mandatory minimum for his fifth conviction.

Assistant District Attorney Lara Todd said the sentence ensures Rowan won’t pollute Douglas County streets with dangerous drugs for a long time.

“An extremely fair sentence for a career criminal,” Todd said.

Judge Robert J. James sentenced Rowan to 41 years, with the first 12 to serve in prison without parole.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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