Major Canton drug dealer gets 26 years in prison – News – The Repository

Bobby O.Goodwin dealt fentanyl, heroin and cocaine “like they were pepperoni pizzas.”

CANTON  A man was sentenced Tuesday morning to 26 years in prison in one of Stark County’s larger drug cases in recent years.

Bobby O. Goodwin, 38, of Canton and formerly of Columbus, pleaded guilty to 36 felony counts, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, aggravated drug trafficking and aggravated drug possession.

Charges were related to the sale of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, said Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Megan Starrett, who oversaw the case with fellow Assistant Prosecutor Toni Schnellinger.

“I think it’s a huge deal to get him off the streets,” Starrett said following the hearing. “This is a very large case.”

Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione said it was one of the largest sentences he has ever given in a drug case, vowing the defendant won’t be released early as long as he’s in office.

Some charges were merged for sentencing purposes because they are considered part of the same criminal conduct under the law. The defendant was represented by attorney Kirk Migdal.

Forchione, citing Goodwin’s prior criminal record as well as those who were harmed by the drugs he trafficked, said the case “sickened” him.

Forchione said Goodwin was dealing fentanyl, heroin and cocaine “like they were pepperoni pizzas.”

“I don’t know if you understand what fentanyl is doing to this county and to this state,” the judge said. “… You are one of the biggest drug dealers I have ever had in front of me. As a result, you’re going to get one of the biggest sentences that I’ve given. This more than likely will be a life sentence for you. That may seem harsh but I’m going to make sure I protect the streets of this county.”

Heading the investigation were the Canton Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Drugs were tied to five Canton houses associated with Goodwin, Starrett said, noting the investigation spanned February to July 2018.

Drug sales occurred in the St. Elmo Avenue NE, Bentley Place NE, Eighth Street NW and Second Street SE areas, according to court records filed in the case by the prosecutor’s office.

Goodwin possessed for distribution more than 290 grams of fentanyl, court records said.

Goodwin headed what investigators considered to be a drug trafficking organization, Starrett said. Drugs were either trafficked by Goodwin or two co-defendants, she said.

Shauntae M. Ewing, 29, and Natasha M. Bell, 35, both of Canton, have pleaded guilty to drug-related charges in the case. Neither has been sentenced yet.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ed.balint@cantonrep.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP