Because of his lack of record, no violence in his past and his cooperation with authorities, Parchem qualified for what is known as the safety valve, meaning he does not have to serve the 10-year mandatory minimum that goes with the conspiracy charge to which he pleaded guilty.

Parchem’s guidelines range was 57 to 71 months, and Lancaster chose 57.

“I hope it’s my first and last time I’m in trouble,” Parchem said.

Rivetti said it is rare to have someone with no criminal history get caught up in so severe an offense, and that Parchem immediately agreed to plead guilty upon his arrest.

“Hopefully, this is his wake-up call,” Rivetti said.

Lancaster also recommended that Parchem undergo drug treatment while in prison, and that he be imprisoned as close as possible to Farrell, where his fiancee lives.

Parchem will serve 5 years’ supervised released once he gets out.

At Rivetti’s request, Lancaster dismissed charges of distribution that had been filed against both men.

The federal cases were heard in Pittsburgh.