2008/07/13

Darren D. Parchem of Farrell pleaded guilty this week to selling two ounces of crack cocaine to an informant for $1,900.The man who set up the deal, Stevie D. Dean, is set to plead guilty July 22.Parchem, nicknamed “Little D,” 21, formerly of Hamilton Avenue, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack.A charge of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack is pending, but the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Pittsburgh, typically asks that outstanding charges be withdrawn at a defendant’s sentencing.U.S. District Court Judge Gary L. Lancaster, Pittsburgh, set Parchem’s sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 17. Parchem faces a prison term of 10 years to life.An informant working with authorities set up with Dean a deal to buy a “deuce” — two ounces of crack, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. They agreed to meet Aug. 28 outside a bar in Farrell.Dean and Parchem arrived in Dean’s car and the informant turned over the money for the drug, plus a $50 finder’s fee to Dean, Rivetti said.Audio of the call between Dean and the informant and the conversation during the transaction were recorded, and photographs by surveillance police were taken.After his arrest, Parchem admitted he was from Detroit and has sold crack locally, Rivetti said.Dean was indicted on the same charges. Both men have been jailed.Sharon and state police, the FBI and the IRS investigated the case.Parchem and Dean are among 24 people charged by federal officials this year during a probe of drug and gun sales in the Shenango Valley, and Parchem is the sixth to plead guilty.

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