Head honcho of Bradford County drug ring sentenced

Bradford County, Pa. — A Bradford county man convicted of multiple felonies will face significant jail time.

Steven William Gonzalez, 54, of Towanda was sentenced to a maximum of 44 years in State Prison for drug-related offenses, according to a release from the Bradford District Attorney's office.

"This sentence will serve to incapacitate Gonzalez well into his 70's," said Bradford County District Attorney Richard Wilson. "That is appropriate because Gonzalez operated what was probably the largest drug ring Bradford County has ever seen."

Bradford County Drug Task Force members Detective David Hart and Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Nathan Lewis investigated Gonzalez using controlled buys, and eventually served a search warrant on his home on William Street in Towanda. The search yielded large quantities of drugs and cash, as well as firearms, according to the release.

Gonzalez was convicted of possession With intent to deliver 100 to 1,000 grams of heroin, possession with intent to deliver 100 to 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver between 50 and 100 grams of cocaine, and person not to possess a firearm.

Gonzalez's alleged paramour, Patricia Martinet, was also convicted of two counts of possession with intent to deliver marijuana, according to the release. She will be sentenced at a later date.

Gonzalez will face a minimum of 22 years in state prison. His sentence carries a maximum of 44 years behind bars.