Amy
03-19-2004, 12:20 PM
Forrest County judge refuses to reduce sentence for drug dealer
Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A Forrest County judge has refused to reduce the prison sentence for a man convicted of selling drugs near a Hattiesburg church.
Kado Jackson, 34, was convicted in December of selling cocaine near Beacon Baptist Church. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison and fined $25,000.
On Wednesday, Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich denied several motions, including requests for a reduced sentence, a new trial and for Jackson to be released on bond pending an appeal.
"I consider drug dealers a danger to the community," Helfrich said.
Under state law, selling drugs within 1,500 feet of a church or school allows a judge to double the penalty.
Nearly three pounds of cocaine were seized with Jackson during the arrest. Jackson's attorney, Tracy Klein, said the case will be appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Klein had argued the sentence was an unjust and inconsistent punishment considering he is a first offender and people convicted of similar crimes got lighter sentences.
Helfrich said he considered Jackson a major player in the drug market and that his first-time offender label was a mere technicality.
Associated Press
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A Forrest County judge has refused to reduce the prison sentence for a man convicted of selling drugs near a Hattiesburg church.
Kado Jackson, 34, was convicted in December of selling cocaine near Beacon Baptist Church. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison and fined $25,000.
On Wednesday, Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich denied several motions, including requests for a reduced sentence, a new trial and for Jackson to be released on bond pending an appeal.
"I consider drug dealers a danger to the community," Helfrich said.
Under state law, selling drugs within 1,500 feet of a church or school allows a judge to double the penalty.
Nearly three pounds of cocaine were seized with Jackson during the arrest. Jackson's attorney, Tracy Klein, said the case will be appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Klein had argued the sentence was an unjust and inconsistent punishment considering he is a first offender and people convicted of similar crimes got lighter sentences.
Helfrich said he considered Jackson a major player in the drug market and that his first-time offender label was a mere technicality.