Darlene Ford Sentenced to 6½ Years for Drug and Firearm Operation, …

Bangor, Maine – A gritty federal crime scene has witnessed Darlene Ford, 59, of Monroe, get a taste of her own medicine as she was sentenced to serve 6½ years in prison for orchestrating a drug and firearm operation right from her home.

United States Attorney Thomas E. Delahanty II announced the sentence, which also demands 3 years of supervised release after her prison term. The charges stem from Ford’s involvement in a conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, maintaining a drug involved premises, and aiding and abetting her husband, who is a convicted felon, in possessing firearms.

Back in November 2011, agents executed a search warrant at Ford’s residence, where they discovered a sophisticated indoor marijuana grow operation and two rifles. Trial evidence portrayed how Ford and family members conspired to cultivate hundreds of marijuana plants within the home, feeding the underground market.

The investigation was a joint effort by the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine State Police. The jury trial that concluded on February 6, 2014, found Ford guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Ford’s husband, already serving time as a convicted felon, was aided by her in acquiring and possessing the firearms that were seized during the search. This sentence sends a strong message to those who think they can profit from drug trafficking and firearms violations in Maine.

For more on this gritty case, contact Assistant United States Attorney Andrew McCormack at (207) 945-0373.