Michael Clarett enters guilty plea to drug-trafficking charges, sentencing set in July

YOUNGSTOWN — Michael Clarett Jr. of Youngstown could face more than 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to several felony drug charges.

Clarett was set to go on trial today before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for four counts of trafficking in heroin. He entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors, however, before the start of his trial.

Clarett is facing a total of 23 years in prison and two forfeiture specifications.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to recommend four years in prison, two of which are mandatory, in exchange for Clarett’s guilty plea. Judge Krichbaum, at the time of sentencing, is not bound by any recommendation from prosecutors.

Clarett, brother of Youngstown native and former Ohio State football standout Maurice Clarett, will be sentenced July 27.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com