Anchorage Drug Dealer Receives 120-Months Sentence in Federal Prison
Anchorage, Alaska – United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, March 18, 2010, that Cassero Lenell Washington, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage to 120 months for his conviction of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
United States District Court Judge John W. Sedwick imposed the sentence on Washington, age 32.
According to information presented to the court by Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin White, the Anchorage Police Department stopped the defendant upon suspicion of drunk driving. At the time, the defendant was in the possession of 113.8 grams of crack cocaine, which was packaged for sale in individual packages. In conjunction with his guilty plea to this offense, Washington admitted to three separate acts of crack cocaine distribution. The total amount of crack cocaine distributed and possessed by Washington amounted to 132.4 grams.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Sedwick noted the serious nature of Washington’s crimes, the need to deter criminal behavior, and the need to safeguard the community. In addition to Washington’s recent drug activities, he has a prior felony drug conviction for distributing crack, as well as convictions for assault, burglary, malicious destruction of property, possession of marijuana, and driving under the influence.
Ms. Loeffler commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Anchorage Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Washington. Ms. White is a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who is funded by the Municipality of Anchorage for the purpose of prosecuting gang-related and violent crime cases.
