Dayton, Ohio – Two Dayton men have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges following a major law enforcement operation that resulted in 47 defendants being charged earlier this summer.
Austin Womble, 31, and Pete Craft, 45, both residents of Dayton, admitted to participating in a conspiracy to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine.
The guilty pleas were entered before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman as part of the federal prosecution connected to “Operation Fly City,” a Homeland Security Task Force enforcement operation.
Both defendants face serious prison sentences, with the drug conspiracy charge carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Womble also pleaded guilty to a separate firearm offense involving the use of a gun during and in relation to drug trafficking.
That additional charge carries a prison sentence ranging from at least five years to life, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Undercover drug purchases took place at several Dayton locations
According to federal court documents, investigators gathered evidence against Womble and Craft during undercover drug purchases conducted throughout April and May 2026.
During that period, the two men sold illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, to undercover law enforcement agents at several locations across the greater Dayton area.
Among the locations identified in court records was the Dayton Motor Motel on Keowee Street.
Investigators also documented drug transactions at an unoccupied property on Elmwood Avenue and at Womble’s residence on Hudson Avenue.
Federal authorities determined that Womble was responsible for distributing more than one kilogram of methamphetamine during the criminal activity outlined in the case.
Craft, meanwhile, was held responsible for selling approximately half a kilogram of methamphetamine.
The drug quantities involved were significant factors in the federal charges brought against the two defendants.
Their guilty pleas represent another development in Operation Fly City, which led to charges against 47 individuals during the summer.
Defendants await sentencing as federal prosecution continues
Although Womble and Craft have admitted their involvement in the drug conspiracy, neither has received a sentence.
Their punishment will be decided during future hearings, when the court will consider the advisory federal sentencing guidelines and other factors required by law.
The guilty pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II of the Southern District of Ohio, ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo, and Jeremy Pierczynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Detroit.
Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson and Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck also joined the announcement.
The case involves cooperation among federal and local law enforcement agencies investigating drug trafficking activity in the Dayton area.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the federal government in the prosecution.
Womble and Craft now face the possibility of lengthy federal prison terms, with their final sentences to be determined by Judge Newman at a later date.
