Man sold drugs on home confinement

HUNTINGTON -- A Huntington man has pleaded guilty to selling crack cocaine on home confinement, according to documents filed this week in federal court.

Marcus Dixon, 28, pleaded guilty Monday to possession at least 50 grams of crack cocaine with an intent to distribute. The federal conviction carries a possibility of 10 years to life in prison and/or a $4 million fine. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.

In return for Dixon's guilty plea, federal prosecutors agreed to dismiss two counts of distributing at least five grams of crack cocaine.

Dixon was arrested Jan. 14 at his 128 Morris St. residence. Authorities charged him with selling crack cocaine from the residence, while he served a home confinement sentence from a state conviction, according to court documents.

An undercover agent purchased 36 grams of crack cocaine from the residence during separate buys on Jan. 3 and Jan. 8. The raid added more than 100 grams of crack cocaine to the total amount. Authorities also confiscated $20,000 cash from the residence, according to court documents and testimony.

The home confinement sentence stems from a series of guilty pleas entered in Cabell County. He had confessed to delivering crack cocaine, being an accessory after the fact to another drug deal and three misdemeanors. The crimes occurred between October 2005 and March 2006.

Dixon's criminal record included those charges and at least two misdemeanor drug convictions in Detroit, according to court documents.

Circuit Judge Dan O'Hanlon agreed to reduce Dixon's punishment in January 2007. The tougher sentence could have resulted in Dixon spending 15 years in prison. The lesser sentence required Dixon spend six months in jail and the remainder of his sentence on home confinement.

Dixon's attorney tried to convince the court to dismiss the federal charges, but later decided to proceed with the guilty plea hearing. The defense argued officers violated Dixon's constitutional rights by making a warrantless entry into his home, while using audio and video recording devices.

Dixon is being held at the Boyd County Detention Center.