Columbia man sentenced for drug operation

A judge sentenced Levi Coolley of Columbia to 10 years in federal prison for his role in selling cocaine and marijuana.

Coolley pleaded guilty to the charges last year.

Judge Brian Wimes gave Coolley and Johnathan Gray, a seller, 10 years for their roles in a large drug conspiracy in Mid-Missouri that lasted several years.

According to the plea agreement, Coolley planned the sale of several kilograms of cocaine, coordinating its delivery from Texas to Mid-Missouri.

Authorities arrested Coolley in 2012 while he was staying at the Mizzou men’s basketball motel in Omaha during the Tigers’ NCAA Tournament run.

Coolley flew on the team plane multiple times and received free tickets to several games at the Mizzou Arena.

Mizzou Athletics also investigated his ties to the team. The department found he was a friend of Jay Lindner, a real estate developer and donor to the program.

Coolley rented a space from Lindner for a stereo business. According to Coolley’s plea deal, the stereo business was a front for the drug operation.