An 80-year-old man convicted of dealing crack cocaine was paroled Thursday after spending three nights in jail.
Felix Cocco, a World War II veteran from Pittsburgh, sold crack cocaine from his house and gave some of the drugs to prostitutes in exchange for sex, his lawyer said.
Cocco pleaded guilty in July to possessing cocaine with intent to deliver.
A judge sentenced him Monday to six to 18 months in jail but indicated he was willing to consider a parole petition from the defense.
Defense attorney Martha Bailor argued that her client should be spared jail because he suffers from an aortic aneurysm. Cocco is scheduled to have vascular surgery in January, she said.
Cocco will wear an ankle bracelet so authorities can monitor his activities, police said.
Police said Cocco had been dealing drugs for nearly a year when he was arrested in November, and was caught dealing again in February. Officers said they seized crack cocaine, a digital scale and packaging materials.
Bailor told the court her client wanted to remain sexually active after his wife died three years ago and he turned to prostitutes.
