Two plead guilty to cocaine trafficking

Two co-defendants accused of selling cocaine to Douglas County sheriff's officers pleaded guilty Tuesday and face up to 15 years in prison each at their sentencing May 29.

Adam Cook, 19, of South Lake Tahoe pleaded guilty to principal to the crime of trafficking in a controlled substance.

He told District Judge Dave Gamble that he assisted Elliott Liebowitz, 18, in providing 56 ounces of cocaine to the undercover officers in the parking lot of the MontBleu Casino on Jan 18.

"I helped Elliott sell cocaine. I made a phone call and told him where to get it. I drove him to the MontBleu where they had the cocaine," Cook said.

Travis Woodbury, 18, pleaded guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance.

In exchange for Woodbury's plea, the District Attorney's Office reduced the level of the offense which removes a potential life sentence and dismissed other charges.

In addition, prosecutors will recommend Woodbury receive a maximum of five years in prison.

Both offenses carry a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Neither one is eligible for probation unless they meet statutory exceptions such as providing assistance to law enforcement in other cases.

At first Woodbury told the judge he was "pretty much along for the ride" when Liebowitz allegedly carried out the transactions Jan. 5 and Jan. 18.

In the Jan. 5 incident, Woodbury admitted that he passed the cocaine to the undercover officer.

"Elliott picked up an ounce of cocaine and gave it to me," Woodbury said. "I was the passenger and I gave it to the driver when the two cars met."

Both men said they knew the substance was cocaine and illegal.

Liebowitz, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, was to appear Tuesday in Tahoe Township Justice Court before Judge Richard Glasson.

Liebowitz is charged with two counts of trafficking and conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

He was certified as an adult after a hearing before District Judge Michael Gibbons.

Woodbury and Cook are free on house arrest; Liebowitz is in jail at Stateline.