Elvin Fred was sentenced to life in prison with a possibility of parole Monday in District Court for drug trafficking level three.
Fred, along with six other individuals, were arrested when Tri-Net Narcotics Task Force raided a house in the 3500 block of Desatoya Drive in early March. Authorities seized nearly 11 ounces of methamphetamine with a street value of more than $30,000. He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking level three on June 29 in District Court.
The defense attorney brought up Fred’s sister, Lisa, Monday to testify on his behalf to try to persuade Judge James Russell to give Fred a reduced sentence. She told the court that Fred was a role model to her and her children and that he played a large factor in the family’s lives as a father figure. The attorney also had dozens of Fred’s loved ones in the courtroom stand up to show the judge the support that Fred has.
Fred also tried to tell the judge that the reason he first started using and selling methamphetamine was because he is an alcoholic who suffers from codependency. He said because the drug made him feel good he sought it out continuously and that it made him feel good to provide the drugs because he clients were appreciative.
“It made me feel good to help someone out and have them say ‘thanks, man,’” Fred told the court.
Fred asked for a lesser sentence so that the court wouldn’t be punishing his family along with him if he was given the life sentence.
“I have learned a hard lesson in a hard way,” he told the judge. “If you aren’t lenient on me, be lenient on my family.”
The District Attorney however, argued that they needed to make an example of Fred and show that this behavior wasn’t going to be tolerated.
“We need to send a message that safety in our community is the most important thing,” said deputy DA Tyson League.
League said that Fred was leading a dangerous operation, with more than 150 grams of meth and three semi-automatic handguns in the home when he was arrested, and that all of this was being done while Fred was out on bail for a pending felony charge.
In the end, the judge ruled with the DA and sentenced Fred to life in prison with a possibility of parole.
“I don’t know how much of a role model you are being unemployed since 2007 and dealing drugs,” the judge told Fred in court.
After the judge’s ruling, the courtroom erupted in cries from Fred’s loved ones.
“I love you brother” and profanities echoed across the small room.
Lisa asked to let her kids come into the courtroom and see Fred one more time before he was taken away, but her request was denied.