Federal authorities charge 20 members of the Sandusky drug ring

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies announced the release of a 63-count indictment charging 20 members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Sandusky, according to a press release.

The defendant is responsible for trafficking controlled substances in large quantities in the greater Sandusky area, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogues in powder and counterfeit pill form, as well as methamphetamine and cocaine, the press release said.

The investigation that led to the charges took place in the spring and summer of this year.

In a series of coordinated arrests, individuals were detained and agents seized large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine and methamphetamine, including thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as legal prescription drugs, the press release said.

During their investigation, officers also confiscated cash and numerous illegally acquired firearms.

U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio, DEA Special Agent Orville Greene and Sandusky Police Chief Jared Oliver made the announcement on September 19.

“The indictment alleges that members of this drug trafficking organization engaged in a coordinated effort to promote and profit from the region's drug trafficking and the widespread opioid and other drug addiction that goes with it,” Lutzko said. “These indictments and arrests will significantly reduce the spread of these poisons that cripple our communities in the greater Sandusky area.”

“We applaud our federal, state and local partners who have worked tirelessly to stop the activities of this criminal organization, making the streets of Sandusky safer today.”

The defendants are accused of:

• Danny Lee Johnson, also known as Uncle Danny, 39, Elyria

• Shon Alexander, also known as Lil Man, 33, Sandusky

• Mark Milten Castile, also known as Castile Jr. and also known as Little Mark, 27, Sandusky

• Mark Milton Castile, also known as Castile Sr. and also known as MC, 50, Sandusky

• Mark Castile, 22, Sandusky

• Johnny Diego Desounyez Cherry, 41, Sandusky

• Marquez Clinton, also known as Quez, 38, Sandusky

• Alycia Cross, 33, Sandusky

• Anrico Cunningham, also known as Suave, 40, Sandusky

• Marvin Cunningham, also known as Marv, 62, Sandusky

• Brian Giving, also known as Hurt, 43, Sandusky

• Brent Hanson, 25, Sandusky

• Salei Harris, also known as Bernard, 38, Sandusky

• Eric Irby, 30, Sandusky

• Bryonia Myers, 35, Sandusky

• Tremar Pearson, 24, Sandusky

• Jarvis Pool, also known as Shorty J, 42, Sandusky

• Kendrick Scott, also known as Cheese, 51, Sandusky

• Dashour Smith, 28, Sandusky

• Dean Swain, also known as Dino, 42, Sandusky

The investigation

The supplemental indictment alleges that from April 2023 through August 2024, the defendants unlawfully, knowingly and willfully conspired, conspired, arranged and agreed to distribute and possess with intent to distribute mixtures and substances containing 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, an Elyria-based cocaine supplier, arranged to deliver cocaine in bulk to buyers in Sandusky, using a network of associates and stash houses to store, break down, package and distribute the narcotics and the profits made from the illegal drug.
Human trafficking, the press release said.

Some colleagues received large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl tablets labeled as prescription oxycodone tablets and repackaged them for distribution.

Others transported cocaine, drug proceeds and firearms or assisted in their transport.

Several accomplices conducted their operations from the Chill Palace bar in Sandusky, where they distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine,
Cocaine, crack cocaine and other related drugs to customers throughout the region, the press release said.

Other accomplices received methamphetamine in bulk through the mail, and one operated an unlicensed gambling den in a Sandusky residence that served 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,” Greene said. “These quantities could have potentially killed hundreds of thousands of people.”

“Today’s enforcement action demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

Oliver added that the Sandusky Police Department is proud of its great partnership with the DEA and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCI).

“Due to these partnerships, this investigation resulted in the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and cocaine,” he said. “I echo U.S. Attorney Lutzko's statement: Our community is safer today thanks to the tireless efforts of our detectives, BCI agents and the DEA in dismantling this drug trafficking operation.”

An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of guilt.

The investigation leading up to the indictment was conducted by the DEA, the Sandusky Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Melching and Frank Spryszak for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.