The Herald, Sharon, Pa.

Local News

November 2, 2008

Ex-Farrell man appeals drug sentence

FARRELL — A former Farrell man sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for a drug crime has appealed his sentence.

Stevie D. Dean, 41, said he is challenging the sentence enhancements brought on by his status as a career offender.

Dean was sentenced Oct. 17 by U.S. District Court Judge Gary L. Lancaster, Pittsburgh, to 262 months in prison followed by 5 years’ supervised release on a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Dean set up a crack deal Aug. 29, 2007, in which Darren D. “Little D.” Parchem, 21, of Farrell, sold nearly 2 ounces of crack to an informant in the 900 block of George Street, Farrell. The informant paid $1,950, of which $50 went to Dean as a finder’s fee.

Dean’s advisory sentencing guidelines range was 262 to 327 months because of 15 criminal convictions in state court, on crimes such as carrying a firearm without a license, simple assault, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and resisting arrest.

Dean’s attorney, James J. Brink of Pittsburgh, said Dean’s record was full of “crackhead activities” and “petty offenses,” and said Dean got little money from the drug deals. He had asked Lancaster for a sentence of 110 to 137 months.

Parchem was sentenced the same day to 57 months.

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