Couple admits drug sales charges

An Indian Hills couple set for trial in connection with the sales of methamphetamine pleaded guilty Monday to separate charges and face sentencing March 23.

Maude Cox, 51, pleaded guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance. She faces up to six years in prison and a $50,000 fine. She is not eligible for probation.

Her husband, Kevin Cox, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. He faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine and is eligible for probation.

In a plea agreement with the defendants, the district attorney's office agreed to recommend a maximum of 30 months in prison with parole eligibility after 12 months.

The Coxes were arrested July 11, 2008, by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Street Enforcement Team at their home in the 3500 block of Cherokee Drive in Jacks Valley.

They were accused of providing 5.5 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover informant.

Maude Cox said she was paid $400 for the methamphetamine. She said her husband drove her to complete the transaction, but was waiting in the vehicle to go to his job at a Carson City lawn service.

"I didn't exactly know what was going to happen," he told Gibbons.

He said he thought the informant was going to repay a $300 debt.

"I knew about it afterwards," he said.

Maude Cox claimed she was pressured into the transaction.

"The Mexicans won't leave me alone. I've tried to have them arrested. They threaten me," she said.

When Gibbons asked Cox if she felt coerced, she said, "I should have said no."

Attorney Kris Brown, representing Kevin Cox, said her client was facing trial on a trafficking charge that did not allow probation and accepted the plea agreement.

Maude Cox's attorney Matt Ence asked for the March sentencing so his client could seek treatment for medical issues before she goes to prison.

The Coxes are out on bail.

"See you in March," Gibbons said. "Stay out of trouble."