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A Martins Ferry man has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Larry Cuffman, 60, also known as "Pops," pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine base. Cuffman admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as "crack," in June 2020 in Ohio County.
Cuffman faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Under the federal sentencing guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Cuffman's original arrest was part of a 50-count indictment that charged 26 people in a drug distribution operation that sold crack, heroin, methamphetamine, including "ice," and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from February 2019 to August 2020.
According to the announcement of that original arrest, the sale of the drugs in some instances took place near protected locations such as North Park Apartments, Riverview Towers, Luau Manor, Madison Elementary School, Jensen Playground, Belle Isle Playground, Elks Playground, Bridge Park Playground, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Wheeling University.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate James P. Mazzone presided.