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A Hazleton man who believed his four-to-eight years in state prison on firearm offenses was too long lost his attempt at a reduced sentence.

The state Superior Court Tuesday upheld the sentence imposed upon Jeffrey Jorge, 32, who pleaded guilty to two firearm offenses.

Jorge was arrested by Hazleton police after officers witnessed a drug transaction in the area of Third Street and Garibaldi Court on Feb. 13, 2018.

Jorge took off running when he recognized an undercover police officer, according to court records.

During a foot chase, police said Jorge discarded a semi-automatic handgun loaded with 13 rounds. The handgun had its serial number altered, police said.

Jorge pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an altered serial number and illegal possession of a firearm on April 8, 2019.

Luzerne County President Judge Michael T. Vough sentenced Jorge to four-to-eight years in state prison. Jorge is currently housed at the State Correctional Institution at Dallas, Jackson Township.

Jorge appealed his sentence claiming his time in prison should had been lower, suggesting 42 to 54 months, since he accepted responsibility by pleading guilty.

In court records, Vough cited Jorge’s previous bad acts to why the higher sentence was imposed.

The Superior Court agreed with Vough, concluding in an eight page ruling, “(Jorge) fails to raise a substantial question meriting our review.”

Illegal firearm sentence upheld on appeal