No one likes getting ripped off.
But one should always keep in mind the legality of the product that they are purchasing, before they seek restitution from authorities.
Case in point: a Connecticut man who reported his cocaine dealer after he claims he was shorted. "My cocaine dealer cheated me," just isn't one of those things you want to say to a cop.
Antonio Recinos, 35, called 911 to report that he had purchased about .4 grams of cocaine for $40 earlier that night and had been ripped off, the Hartford Courant reports.
Not only was Recinos acting foolish, he was in some kind of hurry. Before police could respond to his 911 call, he spotted a patrol car and flagged him down. He told the officer of the incident, and produced a small bag of powder. Police later confirmed it was cocaine. Police said Recinos appeared to have been drinking.
Antonio Recinos was arrested on a narcotics possession charge and later freed on $5000 bail. Unfortunately for Recinos, narcotics possession carries the stiffest possible drug possession penalties under Connecticut law. Possession of crack, cocaine or heroin carry maximum sentences of up to 7 years in jail and a $50,000 fine for a first offense. It isn't known whether Recinos has prior offenses, but if he does, a second offense can carry up to 15 years in jail with up to a $100,000 fine, while a third offense carries 25 years in jail and up to a $250,000 fine.
It's important to keep in mind that those are maximum sentences, and Antonio Recinos was found with a small amount. Chances are good that if he pleads guilty he will receive a much shorter sentence, especially if this is his first offense.
Related Resources:
- 911 caller felt cheated in cocaine deal
- Paris Hilton Arrested for Felony Cocaine Possession (FindLaw)
- Narcotics (FindLaw)