BRIEF

Jul 4, 2010 — The Hawk Eye

John Mangalonzo

Jul. 4, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- A 32-year-old Burlington man police say sold crack cocaine repeatedly to a confidential informant, has accepted a plea agreement from Des Moines County prosecutors.

Gerard Cliston Ellis pleaded guilty last week to two counts of delivery of a controlled substance. He originally was charged with three counts.

In exchange for the guilty plea, Des Moines County prosecutors said they will ask a judge to give Ellis two concurrent 10-year prison terms. They will, however, not seek penalty enhancements.

Prosecutors also will dismiss a third delivery count at the end of the appeal period.

Ellis will be sentenced Aug. 16.

Authorities said an informant with agents from the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force bought $100 worth of crack from Ellis on three occasions.

Newstex ID: KRTB-1064-46688787