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Jamestown man ordered to state time for selling ecstasy

A Jamestown man will spend at least the next 18 months in state prison as a result of selling ecstasy in Warren County.

Roshad J. Roberts, 27, was sentenced by Senior Judge William Morgan on charges of possession with intent to deliver and possession of a controlled substance.

He was charged in July of last year, and arrested on September 1, for selling ecstasy to a confidential informant working for the Warren County Drug Task Force, once in late 2015 and again in early 2016.

The CI contacted Roberts via text messages to arrange both purchases.

The first one occurred on Christmas Day 2015 when “at approximately (5:20 p.m.) the defendant pulled into the lot next to the CI’s vehicle,” according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Roberts was a passenger in a blue Chevrolet HHR bearing New York State plates. He “exited the Chevrolet and entered” the CI’s vehicle “and exited minutes later. The CI returned to the predetermined location and turned over 4.5 grams of a brown/white powdery substance. This substance flashed positive for MDMA when tested by officers,” the affidavit states.

Similar arrangements were executed for the January 7 buy.

“At approximately (7:03 p.m.) the defendant pulled into the lot next to the CI’s vehicle.” He was again the passenger in a black Dodge Nitro with New York State plates.

After the exchange, which occurred in the CI’s vehicle, “the CI returned to the predetermined location and turned over 6.6 grams of a brown/white powdery substance.”

Robert’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender Nicholis Milardo, said that Roberts take full responsibility for his actions and acknowledges that a standard range sentence calls for a state sentence.

District Attorney Rob Greene said that $640 in restitution to the Warren County Drug Task Force has been paid and is being held in escrow.

Roberts “is a drug dealer,” he added, and “should be held accountable for his actions” in the state system.

Roberts apologized to his family and the community, telling the court that he “grew up in these types of situations.”

He said he had improved his life – started a family and was “playing semi-pro ball” before he made a decision to go back to his old friends.

He wasn’t before the court asking for mercy, saying “that’s in God’s hands,” and told the court that he wants to pursue a career in law enforcement and that there is “nothing for me in Jamestown” or his family.

Morgan cited his “poor record” which includes a burglary conviction and told Robert said he has “already been in an SCI (state correctional institution) and that wasn’t enough for you.” He added that Roberts has had two misconducts in his time in the Warren County Jail.

“It seems you just don’t learn your lesson,” Morgan said.

Morgan then sentenced Roberts to 18-36 months incarceration in a state correctional institution, ordered him to pay $640 in restitution to the Warren County Drug Task Force and $475 in fees on the possession with intent to deliver charge. His driver’s license was suspended for one year and he was ordered to submit a DNA sample.

On a count of possession of a controlled substance, Roberts was sentenced to a consecutive year of probation, $100 in fees and an additional two year driver’s license suspension.

Morgan said that he is boot camp and recidivism risk reduction incentive eligible.

Referencing those programs, “there’s a chance to help yourself,” Morgan said.

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