Stark County man sentenced to 4-6 years on drug, weapon, OVI charges
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A Stark County man accused of dealing drugs after a traffic stop in Uhrichsville was sentenced on Tuesday to 4 to 6 years in prison.
Roberto Rodriguez, 39, pleaded guilty in June to five counts, including first-degree felony trafficking and possession of cocaine along with OVI and weapons charges.
Prosecutors said police found a large quantity of cocaine and a gun in the car Rodriguez was driving on Oct. 8 when they pulled him over for driving left of center and not having headlights on the vehicle. Rodriguez apologized in court Tuesday.
“I made some stupid decisions,” he said. “I was working and pretty much partying. Indulging in stupid activities got me where I am right now. I definitely want to apologize to everybody I hurt – my family, the community, everyone involved. I’m ready to move forward. I don’t want to waste the court’s time.”
Judge Michael Ernest pointed to previous cocaine trafficking and possession convictions when sentencing Rodriguez.
“It’s serious to be convicted of trafficking in controlled substances, to be having a weapon while involved, and under the influence all in one night,” Ernest said. “It is a mess what you found yourself in.”
Ernest also ordered Rodriguez to pay just over $10,000 in fines. Law enforcement escorted him out of the courtroom to begin his sentence immediately.