Marlon Thomas, 26, of Federal Way, was sentenced May 2 to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Thomas was arrested in June 2007, following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives violent gang task force. He pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2007.

Prior to his arrest, Thomas headed a crack cocaine distribution ring in the Des Moines area, said Emily Langlie, United States Attorney’s Office spokeswoman. Authorities used confidential informants in their pursuit of Thomas, who originates from Brooklyn, N.Y., and is believed to have ties to gangs in that area, Langlie said.

While Thomas was conducting illegal business in the Des Moines area, Pacific Highway South was plagued with numerous shootings, assaults and robberies, Langlie said.

St. Francis Hospital Gala fundraiser

St. Francis Hospital will host their 22nd annual Gala fundraiser on May 10 at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma. Funds raised will help pay for renovation and expansion of the hospital’s emergency department.

Tickets are $150 per person and $2,000 for a table of 10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (253) 428-8411 or email shelleyharris@fhshealth.org.

Marine science

The Summer on the Sound Marine Science Camp, hosted by Highline Community College, is accepting applications from students ages 11 to 13 who are interested in learning more about marine biology. The camp will run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 14-18. The camp is free. Admissions are limited to 25 students selected based on their application and a recommendation from their science teacher. Application deadline is May 30. http://flightline.highline.edu/mast/SummerCamp.htm/.