Dayton, Ohio – A major law enforcement operation targeting gun violence and drug trafficking in the Dayton region has resulted in dozens of federal charges, dozens of arrests, and the seizure of a large cache of firearms and illegal narcotics.
Federal, state, and local authorities announced the results of Operation Fly City, an eight-week initiative that began on April 27 and focused on disrupting criminal activity connected to illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and violent offenders operating in and around Dayton.
The operation led to federal charges against 47 individuals. Authorities reported that 43 of those defendants are now in federal custody, while four remain at large.
Investigators also seized 176 firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine during the course of the operation.
The results were announced by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II alongside numerous law enforcement partners, including representatives from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Dayton Police Department.
“The goal of this operation was simple: to get guns and drugs off the street and out of the hands of the most violent and habitual offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace. “Law enforcement at all levels took that mission seriously and I thank them for making our streets safer. I also thank the prosecutors in my office for the dedication and skill that it took to support this large operation. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to maintain law and order and keep our communities safe.”
Large-scale investigation targets firearms and drug trafficking
Authorities said the operation relied on extensive investigative work focused on identifying individuals allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking, illegal firearm possession, firearm trafficking, and related offenses.
The charges were filed through 20 federal indictments and three federal criminal complaints submitted in recent weeks.
Among the allegations are conspiracies involving the distribution of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, firearm trafficking operations, possession of machineguns, dealing firearms without a license, and possession of firearms by convicted felons.
Several defendants face charges involving both narcotics and firearms, a combination prosecutors often consider especially dangerous because of the increased risk of violence.
Law enforcement officials said the operation was designed to target repeat offenders and individuals suspected of contributing to violence in local communities.
Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo praised the efforts of investigators involved in the operation.
“I’m proud of the women and men of the ATF’s Columbus Field Division and all they accomplished in such a short period of time. Their dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Dayton, Ohio were truly remarkable throughout this operation. It is our sincere desire that our collective efforts will have a lasting and positive impact on their community for years to come.”
Officials highlight cooperation between agencies
Authorities repeatedly emphasized that the operation succeeded because of coordination between federal, state, and local agencies.
“Operation Fly City is a testament to the strength of the Homeland Security Task Force and HSI’s unwavering commitment to making our communities safer,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “By working together with our federal, state, and local partners, we were able to disrupt dangerous criminal activity and remove illegal firearms and narcotics from the streets of Dayton. HSI remains dedicated to protecting the public and ensuring that those who threaten our neighborhoods are held accountable.”
Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson also credited the joint effort.
“This operation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal,” said Henderson. “By targeting individuals responsible for violent crime, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking, we are making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that those who threaten our community will be held accountable.”
Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck described the arrests and seizures as the result of extensive investigative work focused on individuals allegedly involved in criminal activity.
“The arrests and seizures announced today are the result of extensive investigative efforts focused on identifying those responsible for drug trafficking, illegal firearms offenses, and other criminal activity,” said Sheriff Streck. “This operation highlights the impact of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to addressing the criminal activity that affects our communities.”
Four defendants remain fugitives
While most defendants have been taken into custody, four remain wanted by authorities.
Those identified as fugitives include Isaiah Chancellor, Eucelf Taste Jr., Anthony Scott, and Eucelf Taste Sr.
Federal officials are asking the public to provide information about their whereabouts. Authorities said the ATF is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrests of Eucelf Taste Sr. and Eucelf Taste Jr.
Officials reminded the public that indictments and criminal complaints contain allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Operation Fly City was conducted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established under Executive Order 14159. The task force brings together federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal organizations involved in activities such as drug trafficking, firearms crimes, human trafficking, gang activity, and other offenses.
Authorities say the operation represents one of the most significant recent enforcement efforts in the Dayton area and reflects an ongoing commitment to reducing violence, removing illegal drugs and firearms from the streets, and improving public safety throughout the region.
