A Lexington Park man has been sentenced to seven years in jail after being found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. William Jordan, 41, was sentenced Thursday in St. Mary’s County Circuit Court by Judge Karen Abrams. The judge suspended half of a 14-year sentence.
More than $800 in cocaine and $6,700 in cash were seized in the raid on Jordan’s home by St. Mary’s County Vice Narcotics deputies that led to Jordan’s indictment.
St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney Richard Fritz argued that Jordan should have been sentenced under state law that requires a 10-year mandatory sentence with no parole on a second offence, and that Jordan had been sentenced previously for a similar charge in Minnesota. But Jordan’s attorney, Public Defender Gerald Riviello argued successfully that the Minnesota conviction was on a charge of attempting to distribute, which was not covered by Maryland’s mandatory sentencing law.
The sentencing hearing was punctuated by testimony in Jordan’s support by his sister, pastor (who is also his brother-in-law) and son. Elder Edward Height of Powerhouse Apostolic Ministries in Lexington Park said that Jordan had established a youth ministry to help young people. “He has really grown in our ministry. The pastor said he too came from the streets. “God did wonders for me and he is doing wonders for him,” Height said.
Jordan’s sister told of tough times growing up in Southern Carolina with a single mother who had mental illness. She confirmed her husband’s testimony about her brother working with young people.
Jordan’s son said, “He is always telling us to do good,” adding, “My dad is good. Everybody looks up to him.”
Jordan attempted to address the judge and broke down sobbing. Eventually he was able to tell the judge, “I am a good person trying to do the best for my kids and my family.” He blamed his life of crime on serious health issues, a point underscored by his attorney.
Judge Abrams, in imposing the sentence, said, “This is probably one of the more difficult cases I have had.” She said she understood the “devastating result for your family” for sending him away. Although she noted if he was given hard time he still would be out in about the same time as serving local time (maximum 18 months).
Having said that, the judge continued: “Frankly, you put yourself here! You put your family in this situation.” The judge noted the charges were serious, in that his activities were on the radar of police and his home had been under surveillance by deputies, who had mad
