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Ex-correctional officer gets 10 years on federal drug charges

Phillip Strickland, 41, of Bailey pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — A former correctional officer for the state Department of Correction was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday after pleading guilty to drug charges.

Phillip Strickland, 41, of Bailey pleaded guilty last November to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

After serving his prison term, he will be on five years' supervised release.

Authorities said Strickland admitted to purchasing several ounces of crack from two sources in Nash County and that he sold more than 127 grams of cocaine over a 15-month period.

The case is part of a larger investigation called Cold Wind, in which approximately 17 people have been prosecuted for drug- and gun-related violations.

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