A Lexington County jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the stalking trial of State v. Zachary Gladden. The verdict was returned shortly after 7 pm this evening.

The trial was prosecuted by 11th Circuit Assistant Solicitor Bradley Pogue and Senior Assistant Solicitor Rhonda Patterson. The case was investigated by the West Columbia Police Department. 

Gladden was charged with stalking after making threats against the life of a former girlfriend. Gladden left a bullet on the victim's front doorway, inside the storm door of her home. Evidence presented at trial included a specific threat that Gladden sent the victim via social media, stating "one in the head." 

Following the jury's verdict, Gladden was sentenced by Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr. to 5 years, suspended to an active sentence of 2.5 years incarceration. The prison sentence will be followed by 36 months probation. Judge Griffith issued a permanent restraining order to provide further protection for the victim.