DRUG SUSPECT'S COOPERATION IN 'OPERATION RECESS' GETS HIM SHORTER PRISON TERM

LANSING A Grand Rapids man accused of managing a drug ring that sold
cocaine near Southeast Side schools was sentenced to 191/2 years in federal
prison Friday.

Chad Belcher had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
A prosecutor said his cooperation with authorities has led to "significant
prosecutions of significant drug traffickers." That cooperation helped
reduce his sentence and could trim it further.

"He has been very truthful with us," Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Delaney
said.

Chad and his brother, Keane, were caught in "Operation Recess," a local and
federal investigation of drug sales near Dickinson Elementary School on
Dickinson Street SE and St. Francis Xavier School on Brown Street SE.

More than 100 suspected drug pushers and buyers were arrested during the
five-month undercover operation.

Belcher made at least 35 trips to New York for cocaine, which later was
cooked into crack, U.S. District Judge David McKeague said.

Belcher declined to speak to the judge before the sentence was announced.

His brother has been described as the supervisor of drug dealers called the
"Mad Ave. Boys," a reference to Madison Avenue SE.

Keane Belcher has pleaded guilty to a firearms charge but has not been
sentenced.