COSHOCTON, Ohio (AVC News) — A Coshocton man has been sentenced to a mandatory prison term of nine to 13 1/2 years after pleading no contest to aggravated possession of drugs.
James L. Cox, 49, of Coshocton, appeared in Coshocton County Common Pleas Court Aug. 10 and pleaded no contest to an amended count of aggravated possession of drugs, a first-degree felony.
The court found Cox guilty following the plea.
The state and Cox’s attorney jointly recommended a mandatory prison sentence of nine years to a maximum of 13 1/2 years. The court accepted the recommendation, citing Cox’s history of felony convictions and the quantity of methamphetamine involved in the case.
Cox waived a pre-sentence investigation, and the state did not object to the waiver.
The court determined that prison was mandatory for the offense and sentenced Cox to an indefinite prison term with a mandatory minimum of nine years and a maximum of 13 1/2 years.
Cox will also be subject to mandatory post-release control following his release from prison.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Cox is not eligible for an earned early release date because of the mandatory prison term.
Court costs were deferred until Cox is released from incarceration, while fines were waived due to his indigency.
Cox was remanded to the custody of the Coshocton County Sheriff for transportation to a state prison. He was credited with 293 days served in the Coshocton County Jail and will receive additional credit for any local time served before being transported to a state facility.
Last Updated on August 18, 2026 by AVC News
