Lisbon man accepts plea deal for cocaine bust

CANTON — A convicted drug dealer has admitted to possessing 12 ounces of cocaine when St. Lawrence County Drug Task Force members raided his home on May 2.

Rafael Santos, 26, of 214 Randall Road, Lisbon, pleaded guilty Tuesday in St. Lawrence County Court before Judge Jerome J. Richards to felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He accepted a plea deal made by prosecutors before a suppression hearing.

The plea agreement calls for him to serve four years in state prison and three years of post-release supervision when sentenced Dec. 21. In exchange, Mr. Santos gives authorities a written statement about his drug dealings with Ainsley N. "Matthew" Edwards.

The agreement also calls for federal authorities not to prosecute him on the information provided, St. Lawrence County District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé said in court.

"He was happy with the outcome," defense attorney Jeffrey DeRoberts said, noting Mr. Santos could have served up to 12 years in prison.

Mr. Santos will be released under probation supervision once an electronic home monitoring system is installed at the home in the coming days, Judge Richards said.

He was convicted in April 2004 in Bronx County of felony second-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to three years to life in state prison. He was released from prison in February 2007, according to state Department of Correctional Services records.

His codefendant, Mr. Edwards, 25, of 55 Sweeney Road, Potsdam, was charged with felony first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance.

Mr. Edwards is accused of selling 3 ounces of cocaine to a female confidential informant for $5,100 at his restaurant, Leonie's Jamaican Cuisine. He's out under probation supervision.

"There was a long-standing relationship between Mr. Santos and Mr. Edwards," Ms. Duvé said in court. She declined further comment outside the courtroom.

The drug task force in all seized 17 ounces of cocaine.

Judge Richards warned Mr. Santos his plea deal could be tossed should he not appear for sentencing. Mr. Santos was ordered to stay away from drugs, alcohol and bars. He also was instructed not to leave St. Lawrence County.

The suppression hearing was to determine the legality of the search warrant on Mr. Santos's home.