Charles Ray Love Sr. was a credit to his country but a scourge to his community.

The same man decorated for heroism during the Vietnam War helped damage an untold number of lives as part of a major narcotics ring.

Love, 53, of Alexandria, was awarded a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his heroism in the Vietnam War.

On Monday, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for convictions relating to cocaine trafficking.

Love could have been facing even more prison time from 9th Judicial District Judge Tom Yeager.

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