Larry Douglas Cossey, a repeat offender from Russellville, Arkansas, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr., who issued the 264-month sentence, also imposed five years of supervised release following Cossey’s imprisonment. In the federal system, parole is not an option.
Cossey was indicted on June 4, 2024, by a federal grand jury on charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Additional charges included two counts of methamphetamine distribution and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking crimes. On February 3, 2025, Cossey pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
The investigation into drug trafficking activities in Russellville revealed that Cossey sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two occasions in January 2023. A traffic stop conducted by the Russellville Police Department on April 10, 2023, led officers to discover marijuana and $13,108 in currency inside Cossey’s vehicle. Further search uncovered various drugs and paraphernalia as well as a safe containing more money and approximately 399 grams of methamphetamine.
Another traffic stop on June 16, 2023, resulted in finding additional drugs and firearms in Cossey’s vehicle after he consented to a search. Items found included four grams of methamphetamine; an AMT .380 caliber firearm; drug paraphernalia; various quantities of marijuana; THC products; syringes; digital scales; empty baggies; and $3,124 in currency.
Cossey’s sentencing took into account his status as a career offender due to his extensive criminal history involving serious drug offenses and firearm possession convictions.
The investigation was carried out by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from local law enforcement agencies including the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and Russellville Police Department.
