Federal agents arrest three, seize pot, cocaine in Warren

Staff report

Warren

A series of raids by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency resulted in the arrest of three city men.

Brian M. Cox, Timothy E. Cox and Joseph McCready were charged Thursday with conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana.

Bob Balzano, DEA resident agent, said the men were arraigned Friday morning in U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio in Youngstown.

The DEA Youngstown Task Force executed search warrants on six properties — 2641 Heather Lane, 1445 Elm Road, 322 North St., 643 Vine Ave., 1608 Mahoning Ave., and 715 Woodland Ave.

The investigation began in March 2008.

More than 200 marijuana plants were seized at the Heather Lane, Elm Road, Vine Avenue and North Street locations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Investigators also seized lights, irrigation equipment and fertilizer, which are believed to have been used in the operation, as well as about one pound of cocaine.

Anthony Marotta, DEA special agent, said, “This investigation was very significant in Northeast Ohio and particularly significant for Trumbull County,” he said.

“I believe the results of the investigation will have a positive impact on the community.”

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, East Liverpool and St. Clair police departments, Portage County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms assisted in serving the search warrants.