NORWICH – A 27-year-old man accused of trafficking cocaine between Norwich and Syracuse was sentenced on Monday to five years in state prison.

Richard D. Tyler’s original plea deal – which he accepted on Sept. 23 – called for a four-year sentence in the New York State Correctional Facility. His sentencing, however, was postponed when Judge W. Howard Sullivan granted Tyler a week-long furlough to get his affairs in order and spend time with family, including his young daughter. On Sept. 30, Tyler was a no-show at county court, and his sentencing was postponed once again to Oct. 3.

District Attorney Joseph McBride’s subsequent request that a warrant be issued for Tyler’s arrest was denied by the court at that time.

Tyler had been warned by Sullivan he could – and most likely would – be tested for any illegal substances once he returned for sentencing. On Monday, prior to his sentence being handed down, Tyler tested positive for Oxycontin, an opiate-based, over the counter prescription pain medication.