A man who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine hydrochloride has been sentenced to just over three years in federal prison. 

49-year-old Ralph Clark Ricon appeared before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood on Thursday and was ordered to serve 33 months, with credit for 189 days already served. The Bureau of Prisons will determine if he’s entitled to additional credit. He’ll also face three years of supervised release after his prison term, and as a green card holder, he may be deported.

The sentencing centered on a dispute over how much of Ricon’s time in local custody should count toward his federal sentence. The defense argued credit should start in April 2024, while prosecutors countered it should begin in June. Judge Tydingco-Gatewood ruled that federal custody began June 7.

Ricon, who has two prior arrests from 2019 and 2020 tied to meth possession, told the court he is sorry for his actions and wants to begin drug treatment. He requested to serve his sentence in Hawaii, near his brother. The judge approved the request and urged him to take advantage of drug treatment and educational programs behind bars.