BELFAST — A Searsport man will serve five years behind bars after being sentenced for multiple counts, including two counts of unlawful trafficking of a scheduled substance in Waldo County Unified Court.

Steven Galati, 50, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with all but five suspended for aggravated trafficking of scheduled drugs in Swanville March 19, 2018. He will also serve three years of probation and must pay a $400 fine.

The sentence was handed down March 12, where Galati was also sentenced for several other crimes, including an additional count of unlawful trafficking of a scheduled drug in Belfast Feb. 22, 2018. He was sentenced to five years in prison for that offense.

Galati’s sentences are set to run concurrently to each other.

According to an affidavit filed by a Maine Drug Enforcement Agency agent, authorities were tipped off early last year that Galati was transporting narcotics from New York to Maine.

Agents with the MDEA arrested Galati at a Belfast business after receiving information he was carrying narcotics Feb. 22, 2018, according to the affidavit.

Galati was arrested at the business and a local narcotics canine was called to the scene to examine his vehicle, where 29 bags of heroin were found. A search warrant was also secured for an area home where Galati lives with a relative.

At Galati’s home, agents reportedly found “four cash folds totaling $4,000, 10 folded wax paper bags containing a substance believed to be heroin, a small assortment of pills, two engagement rings, and a digital scale,” according to the affidavit.

After his Feb. 22, 2018, arrest, Galati remained in custody until March 16, 2018, when he was released on cash bail on the condition that he abide by a Maine Pretrial Services Contract. Galati’s conditions of release included a provision that he would be subject to “search and test of his person, home, and vehicle at any time without reasonable suspicion.”

Galati was rearrested by MDEA agents March 19, 2018, after they reportedly found 60 “waxine bags” featuring the same branding as the drugs previously found in Galati’s car and home. The bags were found at the residence of another person on similar bail conditions. After requesting additional bags of heroin, Galati arrived at the residence and was arrested by agents.

According to the affidavit, Galati reportedly made a number of incriminating statements following his arrest after waiving his rights and agreeing to speak with agents, though the interview was not recorded.

A search of Galati’s vehicle revealed 60 bags containing what was believed to be heroin. A search of his residence yielded $1,718 located in his bedroom.

Galati forfeited the money recovered during the MDEA searches as part of his sentence.

Galati was also sentenced to 30 days in jail for violating conditions of release in Swanville March 19, 2018.

When Galati completes his sentence he will be under probation terms that include random testing for illegal drugs and completing counseling for substance abuse.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com