On Tuesday September 24, Erik E. Thompson of Flint pleaded guilty in Flint U.S. District Court to a single count of distributing crack cocaine. Thompson, who is 28 years old, avoided prison in a previous case involving a deadly shootout at an area apartment complex when he pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
Thompson admitted that in July of 2010, he had sold approximately $40 worth of crack cocaine on the south side of the city. Thompson was indicted on federal drug charges in October of 2012 following an alleged attempt to sell crack cocaine to a confidential informant. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to authorities, Thompson met with someone he believed to be a customer behind a gas station, planning on selling the customer more than $1,000 of crack. Unbeknownst to Thompson, he was meeting with a Flint Area Narcotics Group informant, according to court records. As authorities approached Thompson’s vehicle to make an arrest, the defendant fled on foot. Upon pursuing Thompson, officers saw the suspect toss a clear plastic bag on top of a carport, suspecting it contained crack. Upon retrieving the bag, it was alleged to have contained almost 12 grams of crack cocaine.
Thompson spent nearly three years in jail in connection with the 2007 death of Jawaine Lay, who was killed during a shootout at a nearby apartment complex. Ultimately, Thompson testified against others accused in Lay’s death in exchange for his guilty plea to assault with harm less than murder.
According to a news article at Mlive.com, Thompson is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Mark A. Goldsmith on January 21.
Individuals convicted of distributing or selling drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines, and ecstasy often face extremely harsh penalties including fines of up to $25,000 and up to 20 years in prison. In the above case, news reports indicate that in exchange for his plea, Thompson will face a sentence upward of 15 years in prison.
Anyone accused of a serious drug offense will face not only harsh criminal penalties if convicted, but damage to their career, reputation, and freedom as well. Contact a capable Michigan drug crimes lawyer right away, so that work can begin to protect your legal rights and freedom.