Story Category: Crime and Punishment »

A man who police say was part of a drug trafficking network in St. Mary’s County has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Norman Dickerson, 51, pled guilty to the charge last Friday and was sentenced Wednesday by St. Mary’s County Circuit Court Judge Michael Stamm.

Judge Stamm, in imposing the jail term, told Dickerson, “When not involved in drugs you are a good person.” The judge said Dickerson was a hard worker. Dickerson apologized to the court for his behavior.

Dickerson was charged earlier this year and was incarcerated in the Maryland House of Corrections in Jessup at the time of sentencing. He also was arrested in late 2010 after members of the Sheriff’s Office Vice Narcotics Unit executed a search and seizure warrant on a home in Hollywood. Two other people were also arrested in that raid. Dickerson was charged with possession of $800 worth of crack cocaine and $1,700 in cash.

State’s Attorney Richard Fritz handled the sentencing for the state. Dickerson was represented by attorney James Tanavage.