GREENSBURG, PA. — A 47-year-old Arnold man convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses was sentenced Friday to serve up to 14 years in state prison, according to Westmoreland County officials.
Jacquet Woods was ordered by Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears to serve a sentence of seven to fourteen years following his conviction last month. A jury found Woods guilty on several drug-related charges, person not to possess a firearm, and carrying a firearm without a license after a two-day trial in February.
Key Points:
- Jacquet Woods, 47, sentenced to 7 to 14 years in state prison
- Convictions include drug charges and illegal possession of a stolen firearm
- Traffic stop in March 2024 led to discovery of drugs and loaded weapon
Traffic stop leads to discovery of drugs, stolen firearm
The case against Woods stemmed from a March 2024 traffic stop conducted by New Kensington Police. Officers initiated the stop after observing the vehicle Woods was operating and subsequently found multiple drug-related items and an illegal firearm inside the car.
Police reported locating a large baggie containing suspected marijuana in the vehicle’s center console and a smaller baggie on the floor. Woods’ driver license was determined to be expired and suspended at the time of the stop.
Stolen .45 caliber firearm recovered from vehicle
Following the initial stop, investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. During the search, officers discovered a bag on the floor containing a stolen .45 caliber firearm. In addition, authorities found a small amount of suspected cocaine in Woods’ pocket when he was detained.
The firearm was confirmed stolen, though officials did not disclose further details about its origin.
Court hands down maximum penalty after February conviction
The jury’s February verdict resulted in Woods’ sentencing on Friday. Prosecutors highlighted Woods’ status as a person prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous offenses, contributing to the severity of the sentencing.
Woods remains in custody following the sentencing hearing.