By Staff
CASSOPOLIS - A Kalamazoo County man faces up to 30 years in prison next month after being found with approximately $10,000 worth of cocaine earlier this year in Newberg Township.
The Cass County Prosecutor's Office secured guilty verdicts Thursday against Andre Terrill Moore, 29, for possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of cocaine and marijuana possession.
Prosecutor Victor Fitz indicated that Moore "was a mid-level dealer in an organized drug-dealing group. His conviction puts a real dent into their operations."
Moore was arrested on M-60 near Corey Lake Road in Newberg Township by the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team on Feb. 17 after a several-month investigation of cocaine trafficking in the Vandalia area.
At the time of his arrest, Moore unsuccessfully tried to run from drug team detectives.
Moore had approximately 50 grams of crack and powder cocaine and a quantity of marijuana in his possession at the time of the arrest.
Circuit Judge Michael Dodge, who presided over the trial, will sentence Moore on Sept. 9.
Fitz characterized the conviction as another success flowing from the millage voters passed in last August's primary election.
Fitz credited the drug enforcement team of the Sheriff's Office and Dowagiac Police Department for a solid investigation resulting in the conviction and for making the community safer.
The prosecutor also noted Friday that other members of the distribution ring are being pursued, including co-defendant Michael Moore, who is set for trial on Sept. 20, for similar cocaine- and marijuana-related charges.