TEEN GETS 7 YEARS FOR SELLING DRUGS

A Sioux Falls teenager accused of selling drugs to other students is
going to prison.

A Minnehaha County judge Thursday sentenced Cuong Nguyen, 18, of 237
N. Cliff Ave. to seven years, with an additional eight years suspended.

Nguyen was a senior at Washington High School when he was arrested
this spring. Police said he was a major drug supplier for local youths.

Nguyen pleaded guilty May 5 to possession of a controlled substance
and possession of more than 1 pound of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Police said that he, another adult and two juveniles were caught with
marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and Ecstasy.

Aaron McGowan of the Minnehaha County state's attorney's office said
he was pleased with the sentence.

"It's tough to send an 18-year-old to the penitentiary, but it was
appropriate in a case like this when you have such large quantities
of drugs and distribution going on in this community," he said.