LONDON, Ky. — One of the ringleaders of a cocaine ring that distributed the drug in Hazard and Georgetown has pleaded guilty to federal charges.

Jankie Ray Jackson, 67, of Georgetown, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and launder money yesterday in U.S. District Court in London.

In court, Jackson confessed to obtaining the source for the cocaine, then working with others to store and sell it in Scott and Perry counties. The operation was responsible for distributing over 5 kilograms of cocaine over a three-year period.

Because he has a previous drug conviction, Jackson now faces of prison sentence of 20 years to life. Sentencing will be set at a later date.

Jackson is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case. Four others are scheduled to go on trial Nov. 7.