3-year term given in cocaine case

BLOOMINGTON -- A long record of criminal offenses and repeated failures to comply with the terms of probation landed a 23-year-old Normal man in prison for three years on drug charges.

Charles Price and Scott Olson were accused in July of robbing an acquaintance who thought he would be able to buy drugs when he got into a car with the two men.

Price was acquitted in November of robbery and weapons charges in the case, but he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine.

Price's brother and mother were among the supporters who testified Friday that they would help Price get his life back on track if he was given a term of intensive probation.

Assistant State's Attorney Jane Foster recommended 4 1/2 years in prison for Price, saying he "has never successfully completed any term of probation."

She noted the drug charge was Price's fourth felony offense as an adult.

Defense lawyer Larry Spears argued that drug addiction has played a role in Price's criminal behavior.

"He's tired of being held down by addiction," Spears said.

In a statement to the court, Price told Judge Kevin Fitzgerald he had been using drugs on a daily basis before his arrest. "I'm sick of hurting myself and others," he said.

Fitzgerald ruled that Price is not a good candidate for probation. The judge recommended that Price receive substance abuse counseling in prison.

Olson, 22, will be sentenced Jan. 23 for possessing a firearm with an altered serial number. Armed robbery charges were dismissed against Olson.