The alleged ringleader of a multi-million-dollar cocaine ring has pleaded guilty in Mercer County Common Pleas Court to felony counts of possession of cocaine with intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy, according to Kevin Harley, spokesman for the state Attorney General's Office.

Vernon Scott, 39, formerly of 284 Stambaugh Ave., Sharon, and Youngstown, entered the plea Monday; he is to be sentenced Jan. 9 before Judge Michael J. Wherry, Harley said.

Scott was returned to Mercer County Jail, where he has been held since his April arrest. He was picked up in Youngstown during a drug sweep after eluding authorities for almost a year.

Two state grand juries found Scott masterminded the sale of more than $4 million worth of cocaine in four northwestern Pennsylvania counties -- including Mercer County -- over four years.

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. Six more men also were charged.

McConnell pleaded guilty March 1 to criminal conspiracy to unlawfully deliver cocaine and was sentenced to 9 to 18 months in Mercer County Jail and 18 months of probation. He was released from jail Sept. 5 and placed on house arrest, according to a Mercer County Jail spokesperson.

White pleaded guilty in Sept. 2001 to one count of possession with intent to deliver. He was sentenced to 4è to 10 years in state prison, according to documents in the Mercer County Clerk of Courts office.