COLUMBIA CITY EMPLOYEE JAILED FOR COCAINE

Columbia, South Carolina---- United States Attorney REGINALD I. LLOYD stated that JOHN CORDERO, age 59, of Columbia, was sentenced yesterday for using cocaine while on supervised release from federal prison. Chief United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., sentenced CORDERO to 6 months in federal prison.

CORDERO, a former New York attorney, was employed with the City of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation since 2004, following his release from federal prison for a 1997 robbery conviction.

Mr. Lloyd stated that all defendants who are sentenced to federal prison are required to be supervised by the United States Probation Office for a period of time following their release. While on supervised release, defendants are required to abide by all federal and state laws, and are subjected to drug testing.

While on supervised release, CORDERO tested positive for cocaine four times, most recently last April. CORDERO denied the charge, but after hearing evidence from both sides, Chief Judge Anderson sentenced CORDERO to six months in federal prison.

Mr. Lloyd stated that CORDERO’s sentence was within the sentencing range of the 3-9 months prescribed by the United States Sentencing Guidelines for CORDERO’s violation. Mr. Lloyd further stated that the underlying criminal case was investigated by agents of the FBI, and that testimony to support the violation was provided by officers of the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Moore of the Columbia office handled the case.