Federal Jury Convicts Springfield Man of Drug and Firearms Offenses

BOSTON – Following a six-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Springfield man with distributing cocaine, crack cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Sherad Therrien, 24, was convicted yesterday of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute both cocaine and crack cocaine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Court Judge Timothy S. Hillman scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2015. 

On Sept. 4, 2013, Therrien sold a cooperating witness 27 grams of cocaine, 6 grams of cocaine base in the form of crack cocaine, a HiPoint, 9mm handgun, and 7 rounds of 9mm ammunition for $2,140.  On Dec. 11, 2013, Therrien sold the witness an additional 12 grams of cocaine base in the form of crack cocaine for $62.  Two months later, Therrien sold nearly 14 grams of cocaine for $620 to the witness.  Finally, on March 28, 2014, Therrien sold 10 grams of cocaine for $625.

The charge of distributing cocaine and/or crack cocaine provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.  The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Vincent B. Lisi, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Colonel Timothy P. Alben, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse of Ortiz=s Springfield Branch Office.