Published: September 05, 2008 09:10 am            

Knox man gets 40 years for selling cocaine

Repeat offender gets maximum sentence

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

A 21-year-old man found guilty of drug trafficking received the maximum 40-year recommended sentence from a Knox County jury this week.

Coty Lee Spencer was found guilty Tuesday of two counts of first-degree trafficking in cocaine. Because he had a prior third-degree trafficking conviction, Spencer’s sentence was “enhanced” to include a greater penalty. After a one-day jury trial in Knox Circuit Court, Spencer was found guilty and the jury handed down the maximum possible jail sentence — 20 years for each count, to be served consecutively.

“The second chance he got two years ago bit him in the butt,” when it came time for sentencing, said Barbourville Police Detective Brian Senters.

“It makes a pretty bold statement — and not from law enforcement,” Senters said. “I think everybody’s finally getting sick of the dope.”

Officers from the Barbourville Police Department made two controlled buys from Spencer in January and March of this year. He was indicted in April.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Sergent who prosecuted the case said during each controlled buy, officers used a cooperating witness to make the drug purchases. Each time, the witness, who was wired with a digital recorder, requested a gram of cocaine with an approximate street value of $100.

“I think the best feeling is knowing that the community agreed with our office and our stance in that we’re not going to allow drug trafficking in our community,” Sergent said.

Spencer will have a formal sentencing on Oct. 3 before Senior Status Judge Roderick Messer.

“I am pleased with the jury’s recommendation,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Jackie Steele. “This verdict shows that Knox Countians are serious about addressing the drug problem that is ravaging our communities and ruining our citizen’s lives.”

        

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