LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A Hawthorne man who was on the run for more than four years before being arrested in Jamaica was sentenced Monday to 121 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Devon Bennett, 54, who absconded prior to a sentencing hearing in September 2018, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer. His sentence was 51 months longer than the 70 months prosecutors had initially recommended five years ago, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Bennett, who formerly worked as a professional chef, pleaded guilty in May 2018 to the federal possession with intent charge, admitting that he and others used his apartment to package and ship heroin and other drugs through the U.S. Mail.
While free on a $50,000 bond and shortly before his original sentencing hearing, Bennett fled. Fischer issued an arrest warrant and, soon after, an order forfeiting his bond.
Bennett's third-party surety has since paid the United States more than $40,000 as a result of Bennett's decision to flee from justice, according to federal prosecutors.
In early February, law enforcement authorities in Jamaica located and arrested Bennett at the request of the United States. Bennett consented to extradition and was subsequently returned to the United States on March 8.
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