Sullivan receives deferred imposition sentence

A plea agreement in a case three years in the making which involved confidential informants, wire taps, search warrants and collaboration between several law enforcement agencies was accepted by District Court Judge James Wheelis on Monday.

Sarah Sullivan, 24, was given a 2-year deferred sentence with terms and conditions that must be adhered to in order to avoid the maximum penalty for criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, a felony.

The charge Sullivan pleaded guilty to was the first recorded drug buy in the years-long operation that occurred on Dec. 14, 2011.

Sullivan will be on probation for the duration of the two-year deferral. “This will be hanging over your head for two years,” Wheelis told Sullivan.

Sullivan was originally charged with five counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, four of which were made by confidential informants, and three of which were recorded.

Each charge carried the potential for a maximum possible punishment of a state prison term of not less than two years and not more than life or a fine not to exceed $50,000, or both.

Nearly a full year after the final drug deal on Sept. 23, 2013, a complaint was filed by Lincoln County prosecutor Bernard Cassidy and an arrest warrant was issued.

Sullivan was arrested at her residence in Troy on Feb. 7.

Wheelis warned Sullivan that she must stay away from all establishments that are considered bars, which he said isn’t easy to do.

The plea also calls for Sullivan to reimburse the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for drugs purchased from her during their investigation.