Defendant Sentenced to 22 Years in Pontiac Drug Trafficking Case

A 28–year–old Pontiac man who led a conspiracy to distribute in excess of 4 kilograms of cocaine base (crack) and 2 kilograms of cocaine in and around the Pontiac area was sentenced today by Federal District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds to a period of imprisonment of 22 years in federal prison, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

Joined in the announcement was Acting Special Agent in Charge Robin Shoemaker, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Clarence Henry Cohen pleaded guilty on October 21, 2010 to one count of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine. The indictment charged between January 2008 and August 12, 2009, Cohen, along with 15 other charged defendants, conducted a drug trafficking operation, which distributed substantial amounts of cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) in and around the Pontiac, Michigan area. Two defendants were charged in the indictment with firearms violations. Sentences imposed upon other members of the conspiracy ranged between probation and terms of imprisonment exceeding 7 years.

United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade wishes to thank the members of the law enforcement task force in Pontiac, Michigan, for their investigatory efforts. "This defendant was a ring leader who directed the drug trafficking operation over a long period of time, which significantly impacted the City of Pontiac. The sentence imposed addresses the seriousness of his conduct and serves as a deterrent to others who engage in such serious criminal activity."

Acting Special Agent in Charge Shoemaker said "This sentence highlights our effort to remove dangerous drug dealers from our streets. We are dedicated to reducing violent crime and this case highlights a repetitive problem of illegal narcotics traffickers willing to use and carry firearms to commit crimes to protect their drug proceeds. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their commitment in working together in Pontiac and its surrounding communities."