posted July 19, 2008
Two women involved in a cocaine ring are facing federal prison terms.
Judge Allan Edgar sentenced Amy Newman to 12 years and seven months, while Bridget M. Smith got 33 months.
Ms. Newman, whose record also includes burglary, theft, robbery, possession of crack cocaine and possession of marijuana, could have faced up to 21 years.
Authorities said she "has been on one drug or another most of her entire adult life."
Judge Edgar said it was a serious case because she was selling crack cocaine and firearms were also involved.
Authorities said the two women were involved in a drug ring with Kenneth A. Jones and others from February to June 2006.
On June 11, 2006, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department discovered Ms. Smith and Jones in a room 3609 Third Ave. The officers observed 12 grams of crack cocaine, clear plastic baggies and a loaded Bryce Arms .9mm pistol on a table where they were sitting.
Ms. Smith on Jan. 26, 2007, told investigators she met Jones in February 2006 and they began a relationship. They began living together in March 2006.
She said Jones would buy large quantities of cocaine hydrochloride and use baking soda to cook the cocaine. She said Jones was selling approximately three to four ounces of crack every couple of days - earning him $8,000 or more.
Ms. Smith said Jones would distribute the crack to her, Ms. Newman and others to sell it.
She said Jones always carried the pistol and used it for intimidation when buying or selling drugs.
Ms. Newman said she met Jones in February 2006. She said Jones trusted her and would leave drugs with her to sell. She said she and Ms. Smith would sell half-ounce quantities of crack cocaine for Jones. She said she helped Ms. Smith sell drugs because she did not know how.
Ms. Newman said she had helped Jones acquire the gun that was found at the time of the arrests.
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