March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Columbia Falls leader of cocaine ring sentenced to 5 years

BANGOR — The leader of a Washington County trio caught trafficking in more than $170,000 worth of cocaine was sentenced to five years in prison Friday in federal court.

David Look, 44, of Columbia Falls also was ordered to forfeit a 1997 pickup truck valued at more than $21,000 and $7,710 in currency to the government.

Thursday’s sentencing took two hours, mostly because of a lengthy recess requested by Look’s attorney, Marvin Glazier, shortly after the hearing began. Look apparently wanted to discuss further the forfeiture to which he reportedly had agreed. Look later came back to court and, through his attorney, agreed not to contest the government’s forfeiture action. However, an initial order that Look turn over $10,710 in alleged drug money was reduced to $7,710 after records proved some of the money was earned through legitimate business activity.

In September, Look pleaded guilty to two counts — specifically conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was arrested in June 1997, after he picked up a package of cocaine in Holden from two companions, Maud S. Hayward, 40, and Erwin Dorr, 46, of Milbridge. Hayward and Dorr, who picked up the package filled with 438 grams of cocaine at the Brewer United Parcel Service office, were sentenced earlier this week after being convicted of one count each of possessing and trafficking in cocaine. The package was mailed from Long Beach, Calif.

Authorities who searched Look’s home discovered cocaine packaging material and several boxes similar to the one discovered by California police.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Morton Brody ordered Look to undergo four years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. Brody said he would recommend Look for a 500-hour drug treatment program in prison which could shorten his time of incarceration. Brody also said he would recommend Look for a boot camp or shock incarceration program in prison — a move Look requested through his attorney. The judge added that he would leave it up to personnel at the U.S. Bureau of Prisons to determine if Look were a fit candidate for the rigorous boot-camp program.

Described as a good son, good father and good community member, Look reportedly had started painting bridges in his hometown area at the time of his arrest. His elderly mother, Isabel Look, Friday pleaded with the judge to exercise leniency toward her son who, she said, stands to lose everything if sent away too long.

“I trust him. He’s a good boy. He needs help, not prison,” said Mrs. Look as her son wiped tears from his eyes.

Allowed to speak during a portion of the hearing, Look apologized for his involvement with cocaine. He also said he was sorry he could not give more information to the government about other cocaine activities in his area.

“It’s hard for me to testify against good-time buddies I grew up with,” said Look.

Judge Brody told Look’s mother he had little judicial leeway in sentencing her son, although he indicated he would sentence him to the low end of the guideline range set by the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

Citing Look’s lack of a previous criminal record and his recognition of responsibility toward his family and community, Brody described the Washington County man as a good man who had made a mistake.


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