Man sentenced for role in methamphetamine conspiracy

LITTLE ROCK—Larry Douglas Cossey, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the 264-month sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. Judge Moody also sentenced Cossey to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Cossey was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 4, 2024, on one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Feb. 3, 2025, Cossey, 59, of Russellville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
During an investigation into drug trafficking in the Russellville area, Cossey sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on Jan. 10, 2023, and Jan. 26, 2023. On April 10, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. While speaking with the officer Cossey acknowledged that there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located $13,108 in currency, marijuana wrapped inside rolling paper, a vacuum-sealed bag containing marijuana, a bag containing three jars of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) wax, a baggie containing 33 suspected ecstasy pills, a smoking device with residue inside, two packs of rolling papers, two digital scales, and a safe. Officers also located a key on Cossey’s key ring which opened the safe. Inside the safe, officers located more money and a bag containing 399 grams of methamphetamine.

On June 16, 2023, a Russellville Police Department officer conducted another traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Cossey. After Cossey consented to a search of his vehicle, officers located a baggie containing approximately four grams of methamphetamine; a backpack containing an Arcadia Machine and Tool (AMT), model Backup, .380 caliber firearm with a loaded magazine containing six rounds and one round chambered; a smoking pipe with residue; two digital scales with residue; a baggie containing 200 grams of methamphetamine; another baggie containing approximately five grams of methamphetamine; a bag containing approximately 24 grams of marijuana; three syringes; two THC vape pens; a rubber THC pen; a spoon with residue; empty baggies; and $3,124 in currency.
Cossey’s sentence was enhanced due to his status as a career offender as a result of his criminal history that includes several serious drug convictions, including drug-trafficking convictions, and a felon in possession of firearm conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, Russellville Police Department, and the 5th Judicial Drug Task Force.