A La Plata County man will be sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty Friday in 6th Judicial District Court to selling methamphetamine, his second offense.
Members of the Southwest Drug Task Force observed Joshua Swartz, 30, making at least three hand-to-hand drug deals July 11 at the Ampride gas station, 26223 U.S. Highway 160 in Durango, according to an arrest affidavit.
When officers moved in to make an arrest, they found cash, meth, a scale and a .22-caliber handgun, according to the affidavit.
Swartz was convicted in 2012 of selling meth. He was on parole at the time of his most recent offense. He also has a prior conviction for commercial burglary in California.
He pleaded guilty Friday to felony distribution of a controlled substance in a plea agreement with the District Attorney’s Office.
The plea agreement calls for 12 years in prison, which is what he will receive if District Judge Suzanne Carlson accepts the plea agreement.
A formal sentencing is set for 8 a.m. Oct. 4 in District Court.
shane@durangoherlad.com
