Cleveland, Ohio – A Cleveland man has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison following his conviction on multiple drug and firearm charges. Richard Woodard, also known as RJ, 46, was sentenced on August 13, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker to 202 months—just under 17 years—in federal prison. The sentencing comes after a federal jury found him guilty in April on several charges stemming from a drug trafficking investigation connected to a fatal overdose.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Woodard was convicted on six serious charges: two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Woodard’s prior felony conviction for aggravated robbery in 1997 barred him from legally possessing firearms.
In addition to the prison term, Woodard will serve five years of supervised release. Judge Barker also ordered the forfeiture of $13,776 in cash and all firearms seized during the investigation.
Overdose Death Sparks Federal Investigation
The case against Woodard began in the wake of a drug overdose death that occurred on July 28, 2020. As part of the investigation, federal and local authorities focused on identifying those distributing fentanyl in the Cleveland area. Surveillance soon zeroed in on Woodard, whose behavior during monitored activity matched known patterns of drug trafficking.
On August 7, 2020, agents followed Woodard as he drove a Mercedes SUV to a gas station. He left the engine running and entered the store. When he returned to the vehicle, agents arrested him in connection to suspected fentanyl distribution. Upon entering the SUV to turn off the ignition, investigators discovered plastic bags believed to contain drugs, a digital scale, and two cellphones—all tools commonly used in drug trafficking.
Later, a search warrant was executed at Woodard’s residence. There, investigators recovered $13,776 in cash, two 9mm pistols, two .22 caliber rifles, and various rounds of ammunition. These findings strengthened the government’s case, tying Woodard directly to both narcotics distribution and illegal firearm possession.
Federal and Local Officials Applaud Sentence
The case drew strong reactions from both federal prosecutors and investigators. “This significant sentence protects the public from Mr. Woodard and should deter others from peddling fentanyl to vulnerable populations,” stated U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Criminals who blatantly and repeatedly disregard the law will face consequences—and years—behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen emphasized the agency’s ongoing focus on disrupting criminal networks that fuel the drug crisis. “The FBI continues to focus on crushing violent crime and that includes finding and investigating career criminals who seek to poison our communities by pushing illicit and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods,” Nelsen said. “Today’s sentence serves as a reminder, if you are engaged in drug trafficking, we will find you, we will identify you, and we will bring you to justice.”
The sentencing marks a major outcome in a case that began with tragedy but ended with law enforcement delivering justice to a repeat offender accused of fueling Cleveland’s fentanyl epidemic.
