Former professor pleads guilty to meth charges

Marcello Arsura, an associate professor of pharmacology at UT’s Health Science Center, was charged in a federal indictment last year and accused of being a violent dope dealer and addict who went by the nicknames “Mo” and “The Professor.”

He entered a guilty plea to meth conspiracy and possession charges before U.S. District Judge Bernice Donald. Sentencing was set for May 16.

The charges against Arsura, 42, carry a maximum punishment of 40 years, though sentencing guidelines likely will call for a shorter prison term.

Arsura has been held without bond since his arrest. He was taken into custody less than two weeks after being charged with meth possession in nearby Tunica County, Miss.

Arsura, a native of Italy, was suspended without pay by the university following his arrest.