Fifteen people suspected of running a large-scale drug trafficking ring in Akron are now under federal indictment, police announced on Friday, July 17.
According to the announcement, investigators believe the suspects maintained a “drug trafficking pipeline” that connected Akron and Pennsylvania.
Authorities seized more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine and 50 grams of fentanyl, which is enough for approximately 25,000 fatal doses, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as two firearms.
The investigation lasted 15 months and involved Akron police, Summit County sheriff’s deputies, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, DEA agents, and US Marshals, according to the release.
Fifteen people were indicted in Northern Ohio’s federal district court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine:
- Clarence Daniels, 44
- Larry Finch, 43
- Nicholas Helfrick, 45
- Ricardo Allison, 44
- Sheldon Bell, 36
- John Townsend, 42
- Bryce Dittman, 27
- Tyler Smith, 28
- Anthony Raunikar, 45
- Marcus Nixon, 45
- John Koza, 45
- Earl Breckenridge, 57
- Jazzmin Thomas, 30
- Samantha Lentz, 31
- Craig Consilio, 62
Another two people were indicted at the state level on drug charges relating to the probe, but their names were not released.
“These indictments are the direct result of the strong relationship between the Akron Police Department and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in an ongoing effort to disrupt drug trafficking organizations in our community,” states the release.
Leave a Comment