The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on August 22, 2012, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, EZEKIEL DONTE BARRY, a 33-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing. BARRY was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 12 months

Special Assessment: $100

Supervised Release: 3 years

BARRY was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to aiding and abetting distribution of cocaine.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia K. Hurd, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives undercover agents met BARRY in Billings when he was with several individuals at a residence in Billings. On July 29, 2011, an agent purchased approximately 33 grams of cocaine from an individual at the location. In the time prior to the sale, the individual discussed BARRY's role in the deal and BARRY was present when the deal was completed. BARRY aided and abetted the distribution by assisting in the sale and cleanup of the sale of cocaine, which he knew was cocaine.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that BARRY will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, BARRY does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

 

 

Return to Top