LIHU‘E — A relatively clean record and an effort to clean up his act were not strong enough arguments to get Cassidy L. Bailey off the hook. Bailey, 27, of Kapa‘a, received an 80-day jail sentence and five years of
LIHU‘E — A relatively clean record and an effort to clean up his act were not strong enough arguments to get Cassidy L. Bailey off the hook.
Bailey, 27, of Kapa‘a, received an 80-day jail sentence and five years of probation on a plea deal for drug-dealing charges. He stood before Fifth Circuit Court Chief Judge Randal Valenciano Thursday to plead no contest to amended charges stemming from his June 4, 2010 arrest.
Bailey plead to third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and to two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. The remaining seven drug charges and a possession of a stun-gun charge were dismissed.
Prosecuting Attorney Samuel Jajich recommended five years of probation and no more than 90 days in jail — with credit for 35 days already served.
State Public Defender said Bailey has a good record and has made efforts to turn his life around. Bailey’s statement said he turned to selling drugs during a time of economic crisis.
Judge Valenciano said making a choice to deal drugs involves weighing the possible risks against the potential benefits. To make that choice acknowledges acceptance of those risks.
Valenciano said that the law must send a message that taking such risks will result in consequences and that despite a relatively clean record and efforts to move in a good direction there needs to be a punishment.
Bailey was sentenced to five-years probation, 45 days in jail in addition to the 35 already served, and 300 hours of community service. He will also have to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment.
Valenciano said the sentencing would run concurrent with another drug case Bailey is facing from a June 10 arrest.
Bailey’s co-defendant, Allie Elizabeth Magruder, 23, of Kapa‘a, has identical charges in a separate case. She appeared with her attorney, Christopher Donahoe, following Bailey.
The matter was continued as Jajich said the state plans to file a motion to dismiss the case with prejudice.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
