CHATTANOOGA MAN SENTENCED TO TWENTY FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT

[CHATTANOOGA, TN] — Joshua Talley, 23, of Chattanooga was sentenced in United States District Court today to a twenty-five (25) year sentence for distribution of crack cocaine. Talley appeared today before Chief United States District Judge Curtis L. Collier to be sentenced following his plea of guilty to one count of a six count indictment. Each of the counts charged a separate incident of distribution of cocaine base ("crack") occurring between December 4, 2007 and February 6, 2008. Each of the sales involved more than five grams of cocaine base ("crack"). The remaining counts were dismissed upon motion of the United States at the sentencing hearing.

The investigation leading to the arrest and charge of Talley was conducted by the FBI "Safe Streets" Task Force and involved a confidential source, electronic recordings, and surveillance of the drug transactions. Talley faced a statutory miminum sentence of ten (10) years due to a prior felony drug conviction. His sentencing guideline range was also increased as his prior convictions qualified for a career offender classification. Talley's sentencing range was further increased based on a finding that he obstructed justice by threatening harm to an informant in a letter. In addition to the 300 month sentence, Talley was also ordered to participate in a 500 hour drug treatment program, serve eight years of supervised release, and pay a $100 special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Dedrick said, "Drug dealers are on notice that if their activities violate federal or state law they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent."
This investigation was led by FBI Task Force Officer Matthew Hennessee . Assistant U.S. Attorney Terra Bay represented the United States.
For additional information, please contact United States Attorney Russ Dedrick, 865-545-4167, AUSA Perry H. Piper, 423-752-5140, or Public Information Officer Sharry Dedman-Beard, 865-545-4167.