2 sentenced for plan to distribute cocaine

FAIRBANKS - Plans to distribute almost 9 pounds of cocaine led to a lengthy sentence for a Fairbanks couple.

Marcus D. Nelson, 38, was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years in prison for conspiracy and attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Renee Garcia, 42, was sentenced to seven years on the same charges.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Cooper said Nelson, Garcia and others cooperated in receiving cocaine shipped from California to be resold in the Fairbanks area.

U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline said Nelson's previous criminal record was considered in his lengthy sentence.