Carbon man sent to state prison for drug dealing

A Carbon County man was sentenced to a state prison term on Friday in the county court on a drug dealing charge.

Romero Lee McLain, 31, of Lansford, was sentenced by Judge Joseph J. Matika to serve 15 to 30 months in a state correctional institution on a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

He was arrested on Sept. 9, 2016, when Nesquehoning police served a search warrant on his then residence at 201 W. Ridge St. Various drugs, drug paraphernalia and $7,000 in cash were found in the home.

He was originally charged with 11 criminal counts, including three of PWID and three criminal conspiracy-PWID. Ten of the 11 counts were dropped in a plea bargain.

McLaine, who is facing more drug charges in Luzerne and Monroe counties, told the court, “I know I’ve been going down the wrong road for a few years. I have to change things.”

Matika told him, “You’re not only a user, but you’re also a dealer which creates other drug users.”

In addition to the prison term, Matika ordered McLain to supply a DNA sample, render 75 hours of community service when paroled, get both drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations, zero tolerance for drug and alcohol use, pay court costs of about $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on parole.

McLain was given credit for 413 days spent in prison to date on the charges.