Drug Trafficker Gets 12-Year Prison Sentence
PHILADELPHIA, PA. - Hlateef Darlington, 28, of Whitehall, PA, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, by U.S. District Court Judge Paul S. Diamond, on charges related to drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. Darlington pleaded guilty on October 28, 2010 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine; attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; and attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Darlington has been in federal custody since his arrest on January 8, 2008.
Darlington travelled to California and Arizona to arrange shipment of cocaine and methamphetamine to Easton, Pennsylvania. The drugs were to be concealed in packages. Two of the shipments were seized by the DEA Allentown office working with the Pennsylvania State Police.
The case was investigated by the Allentown Office of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ewald Zittlau and John Gallagher.
