Harris

HOLLIDAYSBURG — An Altoona man arrested in March 2023 and charged with selling drugs has rendered guilty pleas for a state prison sentence of

4.5 to 15 years’ incarceration.

Darius Lamar Harris, 40, who has been contesting his criminal charges, advised Judge Jackie Bernard on Friday that for the recommended sentence, he would enter the guilty pleas to several counts of possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communications device and related offenses.

When handing down the sentence, Bernard recognized that Harris will be credited for time served in the county prison and that he is eligible for a reduction of his minimum sentence, as determined by the state Department of Corrections.

He has no prior criminal record, defense attorney Joseph Addink told the judge.

Altoona police arrested Harris on March 23, 2023, after an investigation prompted them to initiate two early morning search warrants at residences on the 1700 block of 14th Street and on the 1300 block of 17th Avenue.

With assistance from the state police Strategic Tactical Response Team, the Blair County Drug Force and the state Office of Attorney General, officers took Harris, Monte Washington and Dione Boynton into custody.

The officers also seized seven ounces of crystal methamphetamine valued at $4,200, 1.5 ounces of heroin valued at $14,000,

1.5 ounces of fentanyl valued at $21,000, 6.7 ounces of marijuana valued at $1,675 and four guns.

When filing charges against Harris, police said Harris told them that the drugs were his and that he had been making buys in Johnstown.

Harris’ charges also indicate that drug task force officers arranged purchases of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from him on Feb. 28, 2023, and March 22, 2023.

The sentencing order Bernard handed down also requires Harris to get his high school equivalency diploma while incarcerated.

Harris acknowledged that he didn’t graduate from high school, but told Bernard that he has always had a job.

When Bernard asked what prompted him to sell drugs, Harris replied: “This is just something that came along,” allowing Bernard to add her conclusion of what came along. “Easy money,” she said.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.