20 people charged in Sandusky drug ring

SANDUSKY, Ohio (WTVG) – The Justice Department announced that 20 members of a drug ring operating in Sandusky are now facing charges.

According to the Justice Department, the individuals were taken into custody as part of a series of coordinated arrests as part of an investigation in the spring and summer of this year.

In addition to the arrests, officers seized large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine, methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as legal prescription drugs. Additionally, cash and illegally possessed firearms were seized.

A 63-count indictment was brought against the following individuals:

• Danny Lee Johnson, also known as Uncle Danny, 39, of Elyria
• Shon Alexander, aka Lil Man, 33, of Sandusky
• Mark Milten Castile, aka Castile Jr., aka Little Mark, 27, of Sandusky
• Mark Milton Castile, aka Castile Sr., aka MC, 50, of Sandusky
• Mark Castile, 22, of Sandusky
• Johnny Diego Desounyez Cherry, 41, of Sandusky
• Marquez Clinton, aka Quez, 38, of Sandusky
• Alycia Cross, 33, of Sandusky
• Anrico Cunningham, aka Suave, 40, of Sandusky
• Marvin Cunningham, aka Marv, 62, of Sandusky
• Brian Giving, aka Hurt, 43, of Sandusky
• Brent Hanson, 25, of Sandusky
• Salei Harris, aka Bernard, 38, of Sandusky
• Eric Irby, 30, of Sandusky
• Bryonia Myers, 35, of Sandusky
• Tremar Pearson, 24, of Sandusky
• Jarvis Pool, aka Shorty J, 42, of Sandusky
• Kendrick Scott, aka Cheese, 51, of Sandusky
• Dashour Smith, 28, of Sandusky
• Dean Swain, aka Dino, 42, of Sandusky

The indictment states that from April 2023 through August 2024, the defendants unlawfully, knowingly and willfully conspired, conspired, confederated and agreed to distribute mixtures and substances and to possess with intent to distribute detectable quantities of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), fentanyl and methamphetamine (all Schedule II controlled substances), and fentanyl analogues (a Schedule I controlled substance).

According to court documents, Johnson arranged for the delivery of bulk cocaine to buyers in Sandusky and used a network of associates and stash houses to store, break down, package and distribute the narcotics. Some associates received bulk cocaine and fentanyl pills, which were passed off as prescription oxycodone pills, and repackaged them for distribution. Others transported or assisted in the transportation of cocaine, drug proceeds and firearms.

According to court documents, an accomplice even operated an unlicensed gambling house in a Sandusky residence that was used as a distribution center.

“This was a highly organized, multidisciplinary drug trafficking organization that supplied our communities with large quantities of controlled substances, including fentanyl in powder and counterfeit pill form,” said DEA Special Agent Orville Greene. “These quantities could have killed hundreds of thousands of people. Today's enforcement action demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

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