A Biddeford man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for cocaine possession with intent to distribute. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen handed down the sentence to Gage Barton, 26, in a Portland court, followed by three years of supervised release. Barton entered a guilty plea on December 10, 2024.
The incident leading to Barton's arrest occurred in September 2024 when a Biddeford police officer responded to a reported fight at an apartment building. Barton was found walking away from the scene and was searched due to his probation status for unlawful cocaine possession and existing bail conditions from the State of Maine District Court in York County.
During the search, the officer found Barton carrying a sling bag under his coat. The officer suspected it contained a weapon but instead discovered a small digital scale and several clear plastic bags holding approximately 308 grams of cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Biddeford Police Department.