Washington, D.C. – A 34-year-old Northeast District of Columbia man, Jermaine L. Griffin, has been sentenced to a term of 14 years in prison for possessing almost a half of a kilogram of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor announced today.

Griffin, formerly of the 1000 block of 6th Street, NE, Washington, D.C., received his sentence on Friday, June 27, 2008, before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates. In February 2008, a federal jury in the District of Columbia found Griffin guilty of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Evidence at trial demonstrated that during a traffic stop at 14th and Perry Streets, NW, Washington, D.C., U.S. Park Police Officer Sean D’Augostine noticed what appeared to be crack cocaine on the console of a Chevy Tahoe driven by Jermaine Griffin. A search of the vehicle, revealed a 7-UP soda can that had been modified with a pull-off top to conceal cocaine inside, but otherwise had the appearance of a normal soda can. Additional cocaine was concealed underneath the cup holder. In total, Griffin was found in possession of 379.9 grams of crack cocaine when he was stopped. According to expert testimony, the total street value of the crack cocaine recovered from Griffin exceeded $55,000.

In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Taylor commended U.S. Park Police Officers Sean D’Augostine, James Walsh, Timothy Ganun and Richard Muller. Mr. Taylor also commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward A. O’Connell and John P. Dominguez, who prosecuted the case.