By LEONARD GRAY – Managing Editor

EDGARD – A LaPlace man received a 60-year sentence for dealing cocaine in a drug-free zone, following his May 12 conviction.

Dale Young, 34, was convicted by a 12-person jury before 40th Judicial District Judge J. Sterling Snowdy at the end of a two-day trial, prosecutor Georgeanne Graugnard said. His last known address was on Rosemary Court in LaPlace.

Young received a 10-year sentence for his three counts of distribution of cocaine, Graugnard explained, plus a 25-year sentence for each of two counts of distribution of cocaine in a drug-free zone, in this case, near St. Joan of Arc School in LaPlace.

He will also receive credit for time served, Graugnard said. Capt. Michael Tregre of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office said he has been in custody since Aug. 15, 2002.

The two 25-year sentences, plus the 10-year sentence, Graugnard said, should keep Young off the streets for some time to come, as he has to serve at least 85 percent of his total sentence, or 51 years.