Lynn man receives at least 2 years on drug charges

SALEM – A Lynn man who was allowed to plead guilty to drug charges for a reduced sentence last month received up to 2 and one-half years in state prison.In Salem Superior Court Monday morning, Andre Sanders was sentenced to serve not less than two years and not more than 2 and one-half years in state prison by Judge David A. Lowy.In addition, Sanders will be losing his license to drive in Massachusetts for five years, because of the drug conviction.Sanders, 20, of 29 Huss Court, pleaded guilty last month to a reduced charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, but sentencing was delayed for a month as part of the negotiations reached by the prosecutor and defense.Police arrested Sanders at about 2:25 a.m., on Aug. 30, 2006 on Boston Street in Lynn in a Dodge Charger.A prescription bottle for 90 OxyCodone pills, filled two days ago, was found in the car, but only two pills were in the bottle and the prescribed name of the bottle was not Sanders.A “pat frisk” of Sanders revealed about 30 grams of cocaine, just over an ounce, on his person.He had been free on $1,500 cash bail since being arraigned in Superior Court.Sanders was initially indicted by an Essex County grand jury in December of 2006 on a charge of trafficking over 28 grams of cocaine, but as part of the plea concession the charge was reduced, sparing Sanders of a minimum mandatory punishment of five years in state prison.