Former Razorback Star Pleads Guilty In Oxycodone Case

LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Cedric Cobbs, 34, of Little Rock, pled guilty today to using a communication device to facilitate a drug offense before U.S. District Court Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr. Cobbs is a former Arkansas Razorback star running back who went on to play in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos.

Cobbs was one of 33 people indicted in an oxycodone conspiracy in October 2014. In exchange for the guilty plea, the United States dismissed a count for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. On Wednesday, Cobbs admitted he sold oxycodone pills to the head of the conspiracy, Charolda Walton. Specifically, on March 16, 2014, in a deal set up by a series of calls and texts, Cobbs delivered oxycodone pills to Walton’s house, where Walton was waiting with a customer to buy the pills. The transaction was observed by law enforcement. According to the facts read in open court, Cobbs also sold oxycodone to Walton on March 15, and dealt with Walton on multiple other occasions.

Use of a communication device to facilitate a drug offense is punishable by up to four years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than one year supervised release. Sentencing before Judge Marshall is set for July 21, 2016.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from several law enforcement agencies including the Little Rock Police Department, the Benton Police Department and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Givens.