Man pleads guilty to drug trafficking

An Albany man pleaded guilty yesterday to a drug trafficking charge stemming from an arrest last spring, said Richard Ross, Athens County chief assistant prosecuting attorney.

Henry C. Levine entered his guilty plea in Judge Alan Goldsberry's courtroom in the Athens County Court of Common Pleas.

Levine was charged with the sale of marijuana, a fourth-degree felony, May 24. According to court records, Levine sold eight bags of marijuana to an undercover police officer at the Amerihost Inn, 20 Home St.

Levine was charged with trafficking in marijuana and preparation of marijuana for sale with specification for forfeiture, meaning any personal property connected with the crime can be confiscated.

Because Levine pleaded guilty to the trafficking charge, the charge of preparation for sale was dismissed, Ross said.

Levine's sentencing will take place in about two months, Ross said. The maximum possible sentence is 18 months in a penal facility and a $5,000 fine, although he could receive a lesser sentence.

Levine originally pleaded not guilty Aug. 30.

-Sally Law and Rob Chalifoux