Drug Dealer To Serve 6 Years

SNOW HILL - A local man arrested in March after Ocean City Police narcotics agents targeted him with a three-month drug distribution investigation pleaded guilty last week in Circuit Court to manufacturing and distributing cocaine and was sentenced to 12 years in jail, half of which was suspended.

Undercover OCPD narcotics detectives began investigating Richard Eaton, 39, of Ocean City, for selling controlled dangerous substances in the resort area last winter. In March, an undercover detective arranged and later completed a deal to purchase cocaine from Eaton. Other evidence was collected during the investigation, which allowed OCPD detectives to secure a search and seizure warrant for Eaton's residence on Nantucket Rd.

On the afternoon of March 4, OCPD detectives served the warrant and discovered numerous items of drug paraphernalia. Eaton was then taken into custody and charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Last week in Circuit Court, Eaton pleaded guilty to manufacturing and distributing cocaine and was sentenced to 12 years in jail, all but six years of which was suspended. He was also placed on probation for two years upon his release and fined $500.