Akron, Ohio – Three Akron men are now facing serious federal charges after a wide-ranging investigation uncovered what authorities describe as a large-scale drug trafficking operation spreading across Summit County and nearby areas. The case, built over several months, outlines an alleged network moving significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine throughout Northeast Ohio.
A superseding indictment accuses Erin House, 53, Ishmael Wahid, 52, and Roy Wimberly, 50, of working together in a coordinated effort to distribute illegal drugs between April 2025 and February 2026. According to investigators, the operation involved supply chains, transportation, storage locations, and local distribution, forming a steady pipeline of narcotics into the region.
Investigation reveals large-scale drug network
Authorities allege that House and Wahid acted as suppliers, providing large quantities of drugs to Wimberly, who then distributed them throughout the area. Investigators say communication between House and Wahid was frequent, with House also connected through his business, House Brothers Trucking.
A major break in the case came during a traffic stop on Interstate 71 in Medina County. During that stop, agents searched a Peterbilt semi-truck driven by House and discovered a hidden compartment. Inside, they found approximately 8 kilograms of cocaine along with about $144,000 in cash, suggesting a high-level operation involving both drugs and large financial movement.
At another location, a storage unit rented by Wahid revealed even more alarming findings. Agents seized roughly 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, and around 5 kilograms of fentanyl. The presence of fentanyl, a highly potent substance, added to the seriousness of the case due to its known dangers.
Wahid was later stopped again, and during that encounter, investigators recovered additional quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with more than $84,000 in cash. These repeated seizures painted a picture of ongoing activity rather than isolated incidents.
Meanwhile, a court-authorized search of Wimberly’s residence uncovered further evidence. Agents located about 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and multiple firearms, raising concerns about the intersection of drug trafficking and weapons.
Across the full investigation, federal agents reported seizing approximately 27 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of fentanyl, and 9 kilograms of cocaine. In addition, more than $229,000 in cash was recovered, along with a collection of weapons that included rifles, shotguns, and handguns of various calibers.
Charges and potential consequences
All three defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Beyond that shared charge, each man faces additional counts tied to their alleged role in the operation.
House is specifically charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Wahid faces multiple charges, including distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. His prior convictions include conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in 1996, possession of cocaine in 2003, illegal manufacturing of drugs in 2003, and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine in 2015.
Wimberly is charged with distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for murder in 1996.
If convicted, each defendant could face significant prison time. The final sentence for each individual will be determined by the court after reviewing factors such as their criminal history, their role in the operation, and the details of the offenses.
The investigation was led by the Homeland Security Investigations Cleveland Office, which worked to uncover the scope of the alleged trafficking network and gather evidence leading to the indictment.
