Published: June 11, 2009 10:50 pm      

Man charged with selling crack

Robert D. Parker could get up to 40 years

Ashland — Federal authorities have charged a man with selling crack cocaine in Greenup County on multiple occasions.

In an indictment handed up last week, a U.S. District Court grand jury charged Robert D. Parker with seven counts of distributing crack, two counts of distributing pills containing oxycodone and one count of possession by a handgun by a convicted felon.

Parker, whose age and address were not immediately available, could get up to 40 years in prison if he is convicted. However, any term he receives would be imposed after consideration of federal sentencing guidelines.

Parker’s arrest and indictment were the result of a joint investigation by the Kentucky State Police and the Lexington resident office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to an affidavit for an arrest warrant filed in the case by Scott McIntosh, a task force officer with the DEA, a cooperating witness and an undercover officer negotiated several purchases of crack from Parker in April and May. Those purchases totaled 13 ounces.

On May 13, Parker delivered 7 ounces — approximately 202 grams — of crack in a controlled buy that took place in a parking lot in Greenup, the affidavit states. After that exchange, Parker was placed under arrest.

All of the buys took place in Greenup County, according to the indictment.

Parker was arraigned in district court on Thursday and entered a plea of not guilty.

A grand jury indictment is a formal accusation of a crime and does not establish guilt.

KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.