[StBernard] Man sentenced to 22 years for role in narcotics distribution ring

[Westley Annis]

Man sentenced to 22 years for role in narcotics distribution ring
by The Times-Picayune 
Friday September 26, 2008, 2:33 PM
A New Orleans man who authorities say was part of a far-flung drug
trafficking ring has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after pleading
guilty to cocaine possession in St. Bernard Parish. 

Vernon Cook, 37, pleaded guilty this week to possession with intent to
distribute 4.5 ounces of cocaine. State District Judge Wayne Cresap
sentenced Cook, a former St. Bernard resident, to 22 years.

Authorities say Cook was part of a network that distributed narcotics
throughout the region, and into Mississippi. In a news release, St. Bernard
Parish Sheriff Jack Stephens said about 30 people have been arrested from
this network in recent years by the Sheriff's Office and federal narcotics
agents. 

Cook has been in jail since his arrest in St. Bernard Parish in February
2007, the news release said.