Sandusky, Ohio – Federal, state, and local law enforcement officials have announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment that charges 20 members of a large-scale Drug Trafficking Operation (DTO) based in Sandusky, Ohio. This DTO is alleged to have trafficked large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methamphetamine, and cocaine across the Greater Sandusky area, contributing to the region’s opioid crisis.
The investigation, which took place earlier this spring and summer, resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in the DTO. During the coordinated arrests, authorities seized large quantities of illegal drugs, including thousands of fentanyl pills disguised as prescription medications, along with cash and numerous illegally possessed firearms.
Coordinated Effort to Distribute Dangerous Drugs
“The indictment alleges a coordinated effort by the members of this Drug Trafficking Operation to fuel and profit from the region’s drug trade, and the widespread opioid and other drug addictions that accompany it,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko. “These charges and arrests will significantly reduce in the Greater Sandusky area the distribution of these poisons, which are crippling our communities.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene emphasized the danger of the operation. “This was a highly organized, poly-drug distribution organization supplying bulk quantities of controlled substances, including fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form. These quantities had the potential to kill hundreds of thousands of people.”
Defendants Charged in the 63-Count Indictment
The following defendants have been charged for their involvement in the DTO:
- Danny Lee Johnson, aka Uncle Danny, 39, Elyria, Ohio
- Shon Alexander, aka Lil Man, 33, Sandusky, Ohio
- Mark Milten Castile, aka Castile Jr., aka Little Mark, 27, Sandusky, Ohio
- Mark Milton Castile, aka Castile Sr., aka MC, 50, Sandusky, Ohio
- Markier Castile, 22, Sandusky, Ohio
- Johnny Diego Desounyez Cherry, 41, Sandusky, Ohio
- Marquez Clinton, aka Quez, 38, Sandusky, Ohio
- Alycia Cross, 33, Sandusky, Ohio
- Anrico Cunningham, aka Suave, 40, Sandusky, Ohio
- Marvin Cunningham, aka Marv, 62, Sandusky, Ohio
- Brian Giving, aka Hurt, 43, Sandusky, Ohio
- Brent Hanson, 25, Sandusky, Ohio
- Salei Harris, aka Bernard, 38, Sandusky, Ohio
- Eric Irby, 30, Sandusky, Ohio
- Bryonia Myers, 35, Sandusky, Ohio
- Tremar Pearson, 24, Sandusky, Ohio
- Jarvis Pool, aka Shorty J, 42, Sandusky, Ohio
- Kendrick Scott, aka Cheese, 51, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dashour Smith, 28, Sandusky, Ohio
- Dean Swain, aka Dino, 42, Sandusky, Ohio
The superseding indictment alleges that from April 2023 to August 2024, these individuals conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and fentanyl analogues. These dangerous drugs were sold in various forms, including fentanyl pills stamped to resemble legitimate prescription medications.
Operation and Distribution Network
According to court documents, Danny Lee Johnson, an Elyria-based cocaine supplier, arranged bulk cocaine deliveries to purchasers in Sandusky. Using a network of associates, the group operated stash houses to store, break down, package, and redistribute drugs and profits. Some members re-distributed bulk quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, while others transported drug proceeds and firearms. A significant portion of their operations was conducted out of the Chill Palace, a bar in Sandusky that served as a distribution hub for drugs like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
In addition to this, the DTO had associates who received bulk methamphetamine shipments through the mail, and one individual operated an unlicensed gambling house used as a distribution center for the illicit drugs.
Law Enforcement Partnerships Dismantle DTO
The investigation was the result of a coordinated effort involving the DEA, the Sandusky Police Department, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Sandusky Police Chief Jared Oliver expressed his gratitude for the cooperation between agencies, stating, “Our community is safer today because of the tireless efforts of our Detectives, the BCI Agents, and the DEA in dismantling this drug trafficking operation.”
Defendants Await Trial
An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial, where the government will bear the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, sentences will be determined based on various factors, including the defendants’ roles in the operation and prior criminal records. Although sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, they could be severe given the magnitude of the charges.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Melching and Frank Spryszak for the Northern District of Ohio.
