URBANA — A Rantoul man who admitted having cocaine intended for sale was sentenced Friday to nine years in prison.
Herbert Leshoure, 61, who listed an address in the 200 block of Illinois Street, pleaded guilty before Champaign County Judge Heidi Ladd to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.
Assistant State's Attorney Dan Clifton said Leshoure had about 25 grams — just under an ounce — of cocaine in his home that Rantoul police discovered on Jan. 29, 2010, during a court-ordered search.
Clifton said police also found a gun, cash and cannabis in the home.
Clifton did not object to a request by Leshoure's attorney, Tony Novak of Urbana, that Leshoure remain free until Feb. 28 so he can wrap up employment issues.
Leshoure had been represented by the late Brian Silverman of Urbana, who died in November.
Clifton said Leshoure had prior convictions for misdemeanor unlawful use of weapons and burglary, the latest one having been in 1993.
Leshoure's girlfriend, Angela Armour, 43, was sentenced to seven years in prison in June 2010 for the same crime.
Why did the woman get 7 years and he got 9 for the same crime?