Persons charged with crimes in Pennsylvania have a right to a speedy trial, but sometimes, as was pointed out Tuesday by Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks, a not-so-speedy trial can give the accused a chance to demonstrate he’s a much better person than his alleged crime would indicate.

Such was the case with 21-year-old Sirjihad Z. Valcin of Braddock, who appeared in Blair County court Tuesday for sentencing in front of President Judge Wade A. Kagarise.

Valcin was only 18 years old in April 2021, when police stopped the car he was driving. His passenger was Raemon Punty, 20. The case had been delayed from going to trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Police were aware that a large amount of drugs was on its way from Pittsburgh to Altoona, and the traffic stop proved the tip to be correct.

Officers searched the car and found 5,000 packets of heroin that also contained deadly fentanyl.

The street value of the contraband was about $100,000, police estimated.

They were able to link Punty and Valcin to another 3,700 bags, valued at $70,000. Three cellphones were also confiscated during the ongoing investigation.

The drugs were earmarked for drop-off at the Altoona home of 62-year-old John Eckard, who eventually was sentenced to 7.5 to 20 years behind bars.

Police in the investigation determined that Punty — a member of the Braddock Water Authority and a candidate for mayor — was being supplied by Rasul A. Acquil of Pittsburgh.

Acquil was eventually murdered by a gunshot to the head. He was found on a street in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Aaron Smith, from Allegheny County, was arrested in Altoona for the murder.

Weeks talked about the police investigation and the violence within the drug world, not only from the product, but of the people involved.

As a district attorney, Weeks has taken a tough stance and has demanded stiff jail terms for individuals who have a part in the organized distribution of heroin, fentanyl and other illegal drugs.

But on Tuesday, the Blair DA asked Judge Kagarise to sentence Valcin — who entered no-contest pleas to charges of conspiracy, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, and possession of heroin — to probation.

Kagarise agreed and placed the still very young man to three years’ probation.

Talking about the case after the hearing, Weeks emphasized that in Valcin’s case, Valcin’s youth was a factor, but, also, during the past three years, Valcin did not stand still with his life. He graduated high school and started his own business that performs maintenance work. He employs five others in his business.

The Blair DA noted Valcin agreed to drive a neighbor and that he never really possessed the drugs involved.

Valcin’s record could eventually be expunged, the DA noted.

Weeks pointed out that the case has been around for more than three years and during that time, Valcin “continued to work and to be a productive member of the community.”

For these reasons, Weeks agreed to seek probation and not request a lengthy prison sentence.

The Valcin family also helped persuade the judge to sentence him to probation.

His sister Nyema told the judge that “Sir,” as she called her brother, “excelled in school” and “poured himself into the community.”

He obtained his first job at 13 and by 15 was working three jobs.

“Sir has always been a hard worker, even now, while fighting the case, manages to be a great worker, friend, brother and uncle.”

“I am asking you to give him a chance,” she said.

His sister Aminah stated her brother was “caring, trustworthy, kind, a devout friend and a very patient uncle.”

She said he was “always a positive influence in the community.”

Valcin was represented by Altoona attorney Thomas M. Dickey.

Dickey said Valcin “had no passion for drugs.”

He pointed out that at the halfway point in Valcin’s probation, a review of his sentence will occur and the judge can decide to reduce the probation — or increase it if that needs to be done.

Kagarise explained he was giving Valcin “the opportunity to show you are the same person before this happened.”

Punty, the passenger in the car with Valcin, has yet to be sentenced.