Indiana Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Crack Distribution

United States Attorney Deborah R. Gilg and the Lincoln Police Department, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshal’s Service announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release:

On May 18, 2010, an Indiana man was sentenced to ten years (120 months) in prison for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine in Lincoln between January of 2005 and September of 2008. Following the prison term, John D. Sutton will serve five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.

Name of Defendant: John D. Sutton

AKA: Little John; Black; Tony; “J”

Age: 23

City of residence: Gary, Indiana

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846. The possible penalty is not less than 10 years nor more than life imprisonment and a fine of up to $4,000,000. Following any prison term, there would be a term of supervised release of not less than five years. There is also a $100 special assessment.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Lincoln

Location of Arrest: Gary, Indiana

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug: Sutton was held responsible for the distribution of at least 150 grams (approximately 5 1/4 ounces) but less than 500 grams (approximately 18 ounces) of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.

Others Charged in Same Scheme: John H. Sutton, Julius Sutton, and Melody Winters all pled guilty to the conspiracy charge, and each of them was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: Between on or about January 1, 2005, and on or about September 30, 2008

Federal Arrest Date: April 27, 2009 in Northern District of Indiana

Date Complaint Issued:

Indictment Returned Date: December 17, 2008

Initial Appearance Date: April 27, 2009, in Northern District of Indiana; June 25, 2009, in District of Nebraska

Plea or Trial and Date(s): Pled guilty on March 2, 2010

Sentencing Date: May 18, 2010

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: none

Assigned Magistrate Judge: The Honorable Cheryl R. Zwart

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: held without bond

In Continuous Custody Since: April 27, 2009

Assigned District Court Judge: The Honorable Richard G. Kopf

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: SEF