Probation, community service ordered
An Allegheny County man pleaded guilty to drug possession Tuesday, and was immediately sentenced to probation, after being charged with possessing more than two ounces of cocaine.
Van R. Sanders, 30, of Braddock, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia before Butler County President Judge Thomas Doerr, who immediately sentenced him to 2 years of probation and 80 hours of community service.
He also was initially charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, which was dismissed as part of the plea.
State police filed the charges after a traffic stop at Main and Jefferson streets, Butler, on Sept. 22, 2015. Police said the vehicle was pulled over for illegal window tinting and Sanders was found to be wanted on a bench warrant out of Allegheny County.
He was arrested, and during a search of the vehicle a Welch's grape soda can and a Pringles potato chip can were found, that upon further inspection revealed both were rigged with a hidden compartment. Inside, police said 2.4 ounces of cocaine was found.
A black bag on the back seat contained a digital scale as well as the fake cans, police said.
