A repeat offender will serve up to 10 years in state prison for selling fentanyl-laced heroin from his parked Jaguar in Lancaster – as a surveillance camera recorded the transaction.
Jose M. Valentin, 53, will serve 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison, as ordered this week by Lancaster County Judge Donald Totaro.
Assistant District Attorney Christopher E. Miller said at sentencing that Valentin has not changed his behavior - despite numerous prior convictions, including drug-dealing offenses - therefore state prison is necessary to protect the community.
Valentin’s prior convictions include: felony drug (multiple), burglary (multiple), DUI (multiple), and stalking. His criminal history dates to 1985.
ADA Miller, who won a trial conviction in March, showed jurors surveillance video of the drug transaction in the 500 block of Pershing Avenue on Oct. 13, 2017.
ADA Miller stressed at sentencing the power of addiction, saying a defense witness at trial was untruthful on the stand to protect his dealer (Valentin).
Regarding the arrest, Lancaster city police’s Selective Enforcement Unit (SEU) was in the area for the surveillance detail. Officers stopped a man who purchased drugs from Valentin – the man had five baggies of heroin (which tested positive for heroin and fentanyl).
Officers then conducted a search and found Valentin in possession of $395 cash and six bags of heroin that matched what the buyer purchased.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright
