Cleveland, Ohio – In a major development aimed at tackling the fentanyl crisis in Ohio, a federal indictment has been unsealed, charging 15 individuals allegedly involved in a Drug Trafficking Operation (DTO) centered in Lorain County. The DTO is accused of distributing counterfeit fentanyl pills across Elyria, Lorain, and other parts of Northeast Ohio. This operation was the result of a year-and-a-half-long investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, ultimately disrupting what authorities believe to be a large-scale drug network.
Extensive Law Enforcement Collaboration
The investigation was led by the DEA, with significant contributions from the FBI, local police departments in Lorain and Elyria, and the Lorain County Drug Task Force. The combined effort culminated in a series of arrests and the seizure of a substantial quantity of fentanyl pills, cash, and illegally possessed firearms. The indictment represents an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative, which seeks to dismantle high-level criminal organizations in the U.S. through coordinated, multi-agency investigations.
U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko expressed her gratitude for the collaboration among law enforcement agencies, which she credits with “taking thousands of these deadly pills off the streets.” According to Lutzko, “Given its extreme potency, fentanyl is extraordinarily dangerous. Distributing it disguised as legitimate prescription medication…heightens the overdose danger.” Lutzko added that the cooperation among federal, state, and local agencies played an instrumental role in breaking down the network.
The Alleged Leaders and Structure of the DTO
The indictment details the hierarchical structure of the DTO, alleging that Ronald Whittaker and Tyvez McCullum served as the primary leaders of the organization. According to court documents, Whittaker supplied fentanyl pills to McCullum, who then distributed the drugs to the other 13 defendants named in the indictment. Those defendants reportedly managed their distribution networks throughout Elyria and Lorain, pushing large quantities of fentanyl into surrounding communities.
Federal authorities allege that the DTO is responsible for distributing an estimated 4,406 grams of fentanyl, which includes more than 42,000 blue fentanyl pills designed to resemble legitimate prescription medications. Counterfeit pills like these, which are falsely presented as safe medications, often increase overdose risks as users may not realize they are consuming fentanyl, a drug with extreme potency.
Those Charged in the 19-Count Indictment
The defendants, hailing from Cleveland, Elyria, and Lorain, are charged with various counts related to drug trafficking and fentanyl distribution. The list of charged individuals includes:
- Ronald Whittaker, 31, Cleveland, Ohio
- Tyvez McCullum, 30, Elyria, Ohio
- Ivan Barrios, 45, Lorain, Ohio
- Tavon Martin, 28, Lorain, Ohio
- Jaivon Wint, 27, Lorain, Ohio
- Katlynn Caudill, 22, Lorain, Ohio
- Nicholas Thomson, 47, Elyria, Ohio
- Max Kennedy, 19, Wellington, Ohio
- Jordan Johnson, 29, Elyria, Ohio
- Angela Shuck, 35, Lorain, Ohio
- Stacey Thomson, 48, Elyria, Ohio
- Tyrone Phillips, 25, Elyria, Ohio
- Joseph Kushner, 32, Berea, Ohio
- Nicholas Burkholder, 29, Elyria, Ohio
- Aubrey Brown, 29, Elyria, Ohio
The indictment accuses these individuals of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute large quantities of fentanyl, spanning from May 2023 to October 2024. Each defendant faces charges that could result in significant prison sentences if convicted, although sentencing specifics will depend on factors such as criminal history and role within the organization.
The Broader Impact of the Fentanyl Crisis
The fentanyl crisis has continued to ravage communities across Ohio and the rest of the United States, with law enforcement agencies taking increasingly aggressive actions to address the epidemic. DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene underscored the importance of disrupting and dismantling DTOs that traffic lethal substances: “We will continue leveraging every available resource to defeat Drug Trafficking Organizations spreading deadly poisons in Ohio.”
According to the DEA’s National Drug Threat Assessment, the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels have been significant contributors to the influx of fentanyl in the United States. These two Mexican cartels are notorious for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and other potent drugs, often using DTOs like the one in Lorain County to distribute these substances throughout local communities.
Legal Proceedings and Rights of Defendants
The unsealed indictment represents formal charges but is not evidence of guilt. As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The government holds the burden of proof, which means it must demonstrate each defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, sentences will be decided by the federal court based on each defendant’s criminal background, role within the DTO, and the specifics of their alleged offenses. The sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, though they may be shorter depending on mitigating factors.
An Ongoing Fight Against Drug Trafficking
The investigation that led to this indictment was extensive, involving numerous law enforcement partners. The DEA’s Bilateral Investigations Unit, FBI’s Cleveland Division, and other agencies were pivotal in tracking and gathering evidence against the alleged DTO members. Their efforts are part of the OCDETF Program, which prioritizes dismantling major criminal networks and disrupting drug and money laundering operations. Through a combined approach, OCDETF operations bring together the resources and expertise of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert F. Corts and Paul Hanna, who represent the Northern District of Ohio. This indictment marks a significant step forward in the fight to reduce the distribution of fentanyl and related narcotics in Ohio and other parts of the United States.
The Path Forward for Ohio
With Ohio seeing over 3,500 fentanyl-related deaths in 2023 alone, officials remain committed to fighting against the flow of illegal drugs. In addition to arrests and prosecutions, law enforcement agencies are focusing on public safety initiatives and awareness programs to educate communities about the dangers of counterfeit pills and illicit fentanyl.
