JEFFERSON COUNTY, OH – A long-term investigation by the Jefferson County Drug Task Force culminated in one of the largest drug busts in the county’s history. The operation, spanning over two years, led to the seizure of 18.5 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl, eight vehicles, five firearms, and approximately $175,000 in cash, authorities announced.
“I’ve been the prosecutor here since 2005 and this is the largest seizure of drugs that we’ve ever had,” County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said.
The investigation resulted in the indictment of three individuals:
- Lionel Lindsey, 52,
- Cherie Nelson, 55, and
- Lavocni Jerome Brown, 31.
All three face more than 100 charges, including possession and trafficking of cocaine and fentanyl. According to Hanlin, the suspects are also looking at 24 felony charges related to drug trafficking.
The Large-Scale Operation
In October, authorities executed four search warrants and uncovered a staggering amount of illicit substances. Investigators say they also recovered a significant amount of drug proceeds, estimated at over $150,000. The Jefferson County Drug Task Force, working in collaboration with local law enforcement, is also planning to seize several properties linked to the suspects’ criminal operations.
“If the person is convicted, it is a mandatory 11 years for each count that has a major drug offender specification,” Hanlin said. “So, these individuals are facing significant time in prison.”
Facing Severe Prison Sentences
The three suspects are also facing specifications that could label them as “major drug offenders.” If convicted, they could face mandatory sentences of 11 years for each count with this specification. This could lead to significant prison time for those involved in the drug ring.
“I think that the citizens of Jefferson County should be very relieved because it means that they did not have the opportunity, for example, to make the cocaine and Fentanyl, which results in so many of our overdoses because we were able to take those off the streets before it ever got put out into the community,” Hanlin said.
Hanlin also stressed the importance of ensuring safety during such large-scale busts.
“It’s always a concern in a case this large about maintaining the safety of the witnesses and, quite honestly, the safety of the police officers that are involved,” he said.
With this bust, authorities believe they have significantly disrupted a major drug trafficking network in Jefferson County. The investigation continues as law enforcement remains vigilant in combating the ongoing drug epidemic.
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