Hampden Superior Court JudgeJeffrey Kinder said Sanchez’ continuing operation was “certainly not insignificant.”
SPRINGFIELD – Defense lawyer Vincent A. Bongiorni said Friday there was “a certain amount of arrogance” in Juan Sanchez’ drug dealing while working at a parking lot across from two State Street courthouses.
But, Bongiorni said, Sanchez, of Agawam, didn’t deserve to go to state prison as the prosecutor requested.
Hampden Superior Court Judge C. Jeffrey Kinder said Sanchez’ continuing operation was “certainly not insignificant.” He said there was a brazen aspect in it happening “in the shadow of the courthouse.”
Kinder cited some mitigating circumstances that led him to sentence Sanchez, 24, to 2 1/2 years in the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow followed by two years probation.
The judge said it would be unusual for a person with Sanchez’ lack of criminal past to be sent to state prison without getting a chance to take advantage of the programs in the Ludlow jail.
Kinder also cited Sanchez’ good work history, including 15 years as a parking attendant, as well as his family support and his admission to police immediately he had drugs.
Assistant District Attorney Patrick Sabbs had asked for a sentence of two to four years in state prison.
Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, five counts of distribution of cocaine, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
A charge of trafficking cocaine had been reduced as part of the plea agreement.
Sabbs outlined the investigation into Sanchez which involved undercover buys in the Century 21 Parking lot which is across from the Hampden County Juvenile Court and housing court building, as well as the Hall of Justice.
An undercover state trooper made arrangements on different dates in November and December to buy cocaine from Sanchez, who would tape the small bags of cocaine to the underside of a parking ticket.
On Dec. 2 police used a search warrant for the parking attendant booth at the lot. Sanchez saw police and went into the booth, slamming shut the door, Sabbs said.
Officers forced the door and found cocaine and marijuana. Sanchez apologized and said he had drugs at his home also.
Sabbs said it was clear the undercover trooper “wasn’t his only client” at the lot.
Bongiorni said Sanchez worked hard all his life and had custody of his child who had many problems that resulted in hospitalization at one point. He was also paying child support for three children from his marriage, Bongiorni said.