ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A trial was set for last week for a man accused of trafficking in drugs, but instead the defendant entered a guilty plea before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra.

Evan Michael Decker, 20, of 4399 Fry Road, Ostrander, Ohio, according to court records, pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine, felonies of the second and third degrees, respectively. His sentencing was set for Dec. 19. He faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Charges stem from an incident in late April, when the St. Clairsville Police Department stopped a vehicle within the city limits. Officers reportedly found the situation suspicious and called in K-9 Odin, who checked the vehicle and reportedly found the illegal substances.

Decker’s co-defendant, Mirza Riyadh Ahmed, 20, with addresses of 1316 Forsythe Lane, Galena, Ohio, and 285 E. 14th Ave., Columbus listed in court records, is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 6 before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, with a plea agreement deadline set for Nov. 28.