Justin J. Pena, 37, of Harvard

A 37-year-old Harvard man was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Friday after police found him in possession of 44 pounds of cocaine, worth over $600,000, in 2020.

Justin J. Pena, 37, of the 800 block of West Metzen Street in Harvard, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

In February 2020, officers recovered approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine, which is 44 pounds, during an investigation.

The approximate value of the cocaine is $32,000 per kilogram, adding up to $640,000, prosecutors said in a motion.

Officers also recovered $250,000 in cash in Pena’s possession.

An arrest warrant was issued for Pena and he was taken into custody in August 2020 by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

Pena pleaded guilty Friday to unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a Class X felony, in exchange for the unlawful possession of a controlled substance charge being dismissed by prosecutors.

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McHenry County Judge Michael Coppedge sentenced Pena to 18 years in prison.

Pena is also required to pay over $17,000 in court fees and fines.

He will receive 192 days of credit for time served at the McHenry County Jail.