Friday, March 15, 2019

Toledo man currently serving 18 years in state prison for shooting at police officers indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and heroin


A Toledo man currently serving 18 years in state prison for shooting at police officers was indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to traffic fentanyl and heroin.

Jayvon Wynne, 23, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Others previously indicted in for their alleged roles in the conspiracy include:

Terrance Allen, 25; Nathaniel Barringer, 23; Chad Burkholder, 34; Megan Champion, 40; Ryin Douglas-Reed, 28; Laurie Lehman, 49; Donte Walker, 30, and Russell Watson, 37, all of Toledo.

All are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin and 400 grams of fentanyl. The conspiracy took place from March 2018 through this month, according to the indictment.

Wynne possessed a Glock 9 mm pistol on July 25, 2017, which he used in furtherance of drug trafficking. On the same day, he possessed more than five grams of heroin, according to the indictment.

 “These defendants worked together to sell large amounts of fentanyl, which has killed so many of our neighbors,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will work with federal agents and police officers to prosecute those who would profit from this drug epidemic.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith said: “This group of individuals brought drugs and violence to the streets of our community. Collaborative law enforcement actions will hold them accountable for the danger they have caused.”

“This is just another example of how the Toledo Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation work together to keep all Toledoans safe,” Toledo Police Chief George Kral said. “This operation has identified numerous individuals who, through their actions, have victimized and harmed many. The City of Toledo is a safer place with these people behind bars. Those in our community who continue to sell drugs, carry firearms and victimize others should take notice of these arrests. We now hope that the judiciary will impose the harshest of sentences if convictions are realized.”

"This is yet another example of TPD, working in conjunction with our State and Federal law enforcement partners, taking the most dangerous individuals off of Toledo's streets" said Toledo Police Chief George Kral. "This four year investigation culminated in at least thirty charges on nine different defendants. These individuals posed a clear and present danger to the citizens of this city. As shown by one of the defendants, Jayvon Wynnne, who, in addition to this case, was convicted of shooting at a TPD detective on the night of December 6, 2018. TPD will never stop identifying, investigating, and assisting in the prosecution of Toledo's most prolific offenders."   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Toledo Police Department, the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force and Northwest Ohio Violent Crime Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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