ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A Columbus man already serving a lengthy prison sentence for previous human trafficking and prostitution-related convictions has been ordered to serve an additional 16 years after being convicted in a prison-run drug trafficking case.
Cottrell Marshall Jr. was sentenced Friday in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court. The newly imposed sentence will run consecutively to a separate 40-year mandatory prison term he is already serving.
According to prosecutors, the case originated during an investigation into fentanyl trafficking in the Zanesville area conducted by local and regional drug enforcement agencies.
Investigators initially focused on a Columbus man identified as Mark Baylor, who was suspected of transporting and distributing fentanyl throughout the region. Authorities said evidence gathered during the investigation indicated some of the alleged drug transactions occurred near schools.
When Baylor was taken into custody, investigators discovered he had been communicating by phone with an inmate. Authorities later identified that inmate as Marshall.
Prosecutors said detectives reviewed numerous recorded prison phone calls and uncovered evidence they claim showed Marshall directing aspects of the drug operation from inside prison, including instructions related to drug distribution and delivery.
Marshall was ultimately convicted on charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering, and drug trafficking.
Officials said the additional sentence significantly extends the amount of time Marshall is expected to remain incarcerated.
Prosecutors praised investigators for continuing to pursue those they believed were organizing criminal activity beyond those directly involved in street-level drug distribution.
Marshall remains incarcerated on his previous convictions while serving the newly imposed sentence.
