James Belt - Louisiana
#325261
State: Louisiana
Sentence: Life without parole
Offense: Distribution of cocaine (crack 0.10 grams)
Date of sentencing: 12/9/99
Date of birth: 9/15/62
Priors: Breaking and entering (see below)
Projected release date: None
For about 13 years James used crack cocaine on a weekly basis. He usually bought his supply on credit from his dealer and paid him back with interest when James got his paycheck. On February 19, 1999 James wanted his usual advance but decided that in order to get something better from his dealer, he would sell $10 of crack on behalf of his dealer. On this evening James went to a high drug traffic area in New Orleans, and sold $10 worth of crack cocaine to an undercover police officer. A few minutes later, police stopped James and found nothing on him, so they took his social security number. James was not arrested until two months later on April 13, 1999. At this time the New Orleans Police Department was conducting an operation cracking down on the street sale of drugs, which resulted in the arrest of at least 13 people.
James has a few priors directly related to his drug addiction. In March of 1993, James stole a credit card from his roommate and was arrested when his roommate reported the card stolen. James made bond, but prior to his court appearance he relapsed and entered the house of a woman he previously dated to steal something of value to buy drugs. On March 25, 1993 the charges were combined and James was sentenced to probation and drug treatment. Five years later, in June of 1998 James entered his friends’ house to steal something to sell and buy drugs. He served four months for that breaking and entering charge. Neither of these offenses involved weapons.
The guideline for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine is 5-30 years. But because this is James’ third offense, he falls under Louisiana’s Habitual Offender Law and must serve a life sentence. James is not eligible for parole, probation or any suspension of his sentence.
Personal Background: James grew up with two sisters and a brother in a housing project in New Orleans, Louisiana. He finished high school, earned an Associate Degree, and attended Loyola University for about two years. It was at college in 1986 that James was first introduced to cocaine. In the beginning he used $30-40 worth of crack a week. By the time of his arrest in the current offense James was using nearly $200 worth of crack per week. When James was sentenced in 1993, he spent 9½ months clean in an in-patient program, but relapsed when he was out on his own and confronting stress in his life. James worked for about 14 years as a cook in the Orleans Parish School District, until 1996, and retired with hopes of going back to college. James realized he needed more money for college, and worked as a warehouse supervisor, a truck diver, and a cook before his arrest.
He has three daughters, but sadly, his mother has passed away since his incarceration. In prison James has taken advantage of substance abuse programs and taken several classes. In the future he wishes to counsel youth about drug addiction.
Compiled from inmate information, sentencing transcripts, police report and appellate briefs.
6/21/02 lv