A 35-year-old Bellefontaine man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to multiple felony drug charges stemming from a month-long investigation by local law enforcement.
Joseph Clifford was sentenced Thursday in Logan County Common Pleas Court to three to four-and-a-half years in prison.
Clifford pleaded guilty to two second-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs charges and five fifth-degree felony drug charges.
The second-degree felony convictions carried mandatory prison time.
The case dates back to September 2025, when the Logan County Unified Drug Task Force and detectives from the Bellefontaine Police Department executed a search warrant at Clifford’s residence on County Road 130 in Bellefontaine.
Clifford was arrested on a felony warrant for trafficking in cocaine.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, investigators found a gallon-sized plastic bag covered in cocaine residue next to a toilet, along with a large quantity of suspected illegally pressed pills containing narcotics inside the toilet.
Authorities also seized a significant amount of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, various pills, approximately $28,221 in cash, and a handgun.
The original indictment included 10 counts.
As part of Clifford’s plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed three counts, including first-degree felony possession of cocaine, fifth-degree felony aggravated possession of drugs, and third-degree felony tampering with evidence.
Clifford also agreed to forfeit $28,221 to the State of Ohio.
During sentencing, the court heard that Clifford had made significant efforts to address his substance abuse following his arrest.
According to information presented to the court, he entered treatment and took steps to change his life.
Clifford also had limited prior felony history, which was considered by the court during sentencing.
Clifford was sentenced by Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Kevin Braig.
