Dover man charged with trafficking cocaine near elementary school
NEW PHILADELPHIA – A Dover man has pleaded not guilty to cocaine trafficking after a grand jury indictment alleged he sold drugs in the vicinity of Dover Avenue Elementary School.
The January 12th indictment against 27-year-old Cullen Brogan consists of five felony counts, including trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine and aggravated possession of drugs identified as methamphetamine.
Tuscarawas County Sheriff Detective and LEAD Drug Task Force Commander Cole Morris says the Sheriff’s Office, Drug Task Force and Dover Police conducted an operation after getting a tip about Brogan allegedly selling illegal substances. He says investigators completed some controlled drug buys from Brogan, one where a juvenile was in the home. Morris says the house where the drugs were sold is within 1,000 feet of Dover Avenue Elementary School.
The possession of cocaine charge is the most severe – a first-degree felony, because the amount – 55 grams according to Morris – exceeded the 27-gram threshold for the highest-level felony charge.
“It is a significant amount for someone to be selling… which makes us believe there were ties to an even larger operation for him to be able to get that amount of product to be able to sell,” Morris said.
According to the indictment, the offenses took place on Sept. 30, Oct. 2, Oct. 6 and Oct. 8, 2025, on days when school was in session.
Brogan pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday. He was released on a recognizance bond.
Judge Michael Ernest recused himself from the case, saying his impartially might be questioned. A pretrial is scheduled for February 17th with Judge Elizabeth Thomakos.