Sentencing for former Wayne Co. drug enforcement chief expected today

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (WITN) – The former head of an Eastern Carolina sheriff's office narcotics unit has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic drugs and to wire and mail fraud charges filed earlier this year. The sentencing will be announced at a press conference on Wednesday, authorities said.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Michael Cox pleaded guilty in March of this year in Wilmington to conspiracy to distribute and possess cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and marijuana with intent to distribute. Cox also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit procurement and mail fraud.

Today, attorney Michael Easley is expected to hold a press conference in Fayetteville to announce his sentencing and provide an update on a drug trafficking investigation in eastern North Carolina.

Cox, 49, headed the Wayne County Sheriff's Office's drug unit until his retirement in 2018.

Federal authorities say that while Cox was a deputy, he helped drug dealers in Wayne County avoid prosecution. According to a press release, the man even facilitated drug purchases for other people after he retired.

Authorities say Cox also conspired with a high-ranking deputy to give contracts for remodeling sheriff's office vehicles to a company he owned. Major Christopher Worth, who retired last October after being indicted, is still awaiting trial on the bidding charges.

If convicted, Cox faces up to 40 years in federal prison on the charges. The indictment is expected to be announced at 3 p.m. this afternoon.

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