LOCKPORT — Three players in a Niagara Falls-based cocaine conspiracy pleaded guilty Tuesday as their trials were to begin in Niagara County Court.
LaTonya Woods, 23, of Eighth Street, Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree conspiracy. Tyrone Hilson, 33, of Minard Street, Lockport, admitted to fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. William Welch, 33, of 21st Street, Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty to attempted fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. Judge Peter L. Broderick Sr. scheduled sentencing May 23 for Welch, May 30 for Woods and May 31 for Hilson.
They were among seven people charged in August by the state attorney general’s Organized Crime Task Force with taking part in a cocaine sales operation headed by Brian C. Young, 31, of Grand Island. Young and three other defendants have pleaded guilty.
Woods, described as Young’s girlfriend, allowed him to store cocaine in her apartment, according to the indictment. Hilson and Welch were cocaine salesmen, the document said.