BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A convicted drug dealer from Abingdon has been linked to the shooting death of a confidential informant.

Twenty-eight-year-old Gary Williams of Abingdon has not been charged in the death of Robin Lee Welshons. But federal prosecutors said during a hearing Friday that Williams conspired in Welshons' shooting and that information should be considered relevant to his sentence.

Williams is awaiting sentencing for dealing crack and cocaine. Prosecutors say if U.S. District Judge William Quarles accepts their argument that Williams was involved in Welshons' death, he could face up to life in prison.

Defense attorney Christie Needleman says she was "blindsided" by the allegation that her client was involved in Welshons' death. Quarles rescheduled the sentencing for May 16 to give the defense a chance to respond.

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Information from: The (Baltimore) Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com