AUBURN - A drug dealer who was about to be sentenced to prison had to re-affirm her guilt in Cayuga County Court Tuesday when it was discovered she had told a parole officer she was not really guilty of selling cocaine.

Michele Flowers, 47, of 28 Danforth St., Rochester, told an officer prior to coming to court that the police had made up the charges against her when she refused to help them with another case.

Flowers admitted in court that the charge of felony fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance was not trumped up by police and that she did sell cocaine from her prior residence at 33 Seymour St., Auburn.

Flowers was then sentenced to 2.5-years in prison.

Flowers' accomplice, Reginald Lawson, 50, formerly of 33 Seymour St., Auburn, had previously been sentenced to two concurrent three-year sentences for the sale of cocaine last April.

During her sentencing, Flowers said she had turned her life around while she was out on bail by joining a church and entering into a drug rehabilitation program to deal with her long-term addiction.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said Flowers' criminal record, which spanned more than 30 years, stemmed from crimes to get money to purchase drugs. Flowers was convicted of robbery more than a decade ago for her role in the robbery and murder of Stephen DeLuca Sr. She testified against Sammy Swift, who was convicted of murder.

As a result of Flowers' drug dependency, Cayuga County Judge Mark Fandrich said he would sign a drug treatment order allowing Flowers to participate in a rehabilitation program while in prison.

Flowers would be eligible for early release from prison with the successful completion of the program.

Also in court:

• An Auburn man pleaded not guilty to criminal conspiracy, criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny.

Samuel Bulla, 23, of 173 Seymour St., Auburn, also has pending charges in Florida.

• An Auburn man charged with dealing drugs received a one week adjournment to decide if he would accept the plea deal that was offered to him.

Duane Smith, 46, of 44 Fitch Ave., Auburn, could receive 3.5 years in prison for his second felony offense if he accepts the offer.

Smith was previously convicted of selling cocaine on March 4, 2000.

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net