Drug trafficker sentenced to life with possible parole

Phillip Sharpe was sentenced to life in prison Monday for leading a drug-trafficking organization that spanned multiple counties in Northern Nevada.

In his sentencing for Level III trafficking of a controlled substance, Sharpe received the maximum possible term: life, with eligibility for parole after a minimum of 10 years, and a $50,000 fine.

Sharpe’s charge was the culmination of an extensive by the Tri-NET Narcotics Task Force, which consists of officers from the Carson City, Lyon County and Douglas County sheriff’s departments, Reno Drug Enforcement Administration and Nevada National Guard’s Counter Drug Operations.

The investigation revealed Sharpe was the head of a trafficking group with connections to Mexico that distributed controlled substances across northwest Nevada, including Carson City, Dayton, Silver Springs, Virginia City and Fallon. Sharpe was arrested with 3 pounds, 5 ounces of methamphetamine on U.S. Highway 50 in Dayton.

He was sentenced in the Third Judicial District Court in Yerington.