Local sentenced on drug charges

By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
A Russellville man was sentenced to 20 years in prison in federal court this week after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess methamphetamine.
Mauricio Martinez Morales, 27, will spend the next 20 years in prison, and will be deported upon his release, U.S. Attorney's spokesperson Jill Ellis said.
Morales was indicted in October 2006 along with Alcocer Jimenez Sabino, 22, of Russellville.
The two conspired to sell meth and were also charged with possession and the intent to distribute to meth. Morales was additionally charged with carring a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and being a drug user in possession of a firearm. Sabino was sentenced to five years in prison on his charges, Ellis said.
"We are pleased that this gun toting drug dealer is out of the community and placed in prison," US. Attorney Alice H. Martin said.
Martin added that 20 years behind bars sends a strong message to others who buy, sell and use drugs while carrying a firearm.
The Drug Enforcement Administration along with assistance of local law enforcement conducted the investigation of this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Penfield prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. Government.