WILMINGTON – A man who lived within 1,000 feet of Wilmington High School while manufacturing and selling drugs will not be near the school for another 33 months.
Kenneth R. Quickle, 36, of Main Street, Wilmington, had been charged with one count of aggravated trafficking of drugs in the second degree, six counts of aggravated trafficking of drugs in the third degree, one count of aggravated possession of drugs in the fifth degree, one count of illegal assembly or possession of drugs in the second degree, one count of possession of criminal tools in the fifth degree and one count of illegal manufacturing of drugs in the first degree.
Seven of the 11 counts were dropped, leaving Quickle charged with three counts of aggravated trafficking of drugs (methamphetamines) in the third degree and one count of illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs in the third degree.
Quickle was arrested in late April as part of a “buy bust” in which Clinton County Sheriff’s deputies bought meth from Quickle. They also recovered a trash bag full of suspected meth lab waste and meth cooking materials.
There had been a jury trial set for Sept. 9 because Quickle originally entered a not guilty plea, but he changed the plea before the hearing Thursday, said Clinton County Court of Common Pleas Judge John W. “Tim” Rudduck.
“If you sign this plea agreement … you’re waiving your rights to a jury trial, allowing me, as the judge of the court, to determine your guilt,” Rudduck told Quickle.
Quickle has been in jail since he was booked April 28. As part of the guilty plea, Quickle’s public defender, Lindsey Fleissner, requested credit for his time served in jail — 108 days — which was granted, meaning he will serve another 33 months.
“Since there are four separate counts … you’re talking about a total of 12 years as the maximum,” Rudduck said.
Quickle was given 36 months because all four terms will run concurrently.
Quickle’s driver’s license was also suspended for four years as part of the sentence.
Once he is released, Quickle may be put on parole for up to three years.
