The alleged ringleader of a multi-million-dollar cocaine ring is expected to go to trial this month in Mercer County Common Pleas Court, according to the Court Administrator's office.

Vernon Scott, 39, formerly of 284 Stambaugh Ave., Sharon, and also of Youngstown, was charged in June with possession with intent to deliver cocaine, delivery of cocaine, and criminal conspiracy, after eluding authorities for nearly a year.

The state Office of the Attorney General issued a warrant for Scott's arrest in December 2000 during a drug sweep. Scott is accused him of leading a cocaine ring in Mercer County and three other northwestern Pennsylvania counties.

Scott allegedly masterminded the sale of more than $4 million worth of cocaine over four years in four northwestern Pennsylvania counties, according to two statewide grand jury findings.

He has been held on $100,000 bond in the Mercer County Jail since his extradition from Ohio in April. He was found in a Youngstown home in December during a Mahoning County Drug task Force sting operation.

Other locals arrested during the sweep were Richard K. McConnell, 41, formerly of 325 Sharon Road, West Salem Township, and owner of the former Queen of Hearts dance club, and James P. White, 46, formerly of Hermitage, along with six other men.

McConnell pleaded guilty to criminal conspiracy to unlawfully deliver cocaine March 1 and sentenced to serve 9 to 18 months in the Mercer County Jail and 18 months of probation. White pleaded guilty in Sept. 2001 to one count of possession with intent to deliver. He received 4è to 10 years in state prison, according to the Mercer County Clerk of Court's office.

McConnell was released on house arrest Sept. 5, according to a Mercer County Jail spokesperson.