Feds in Cleveland charge 21 in suspected heroin, fentanyl distribution ring

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Twenty-one people were indicted in federal court for their role in dealing heroin and fentanyl in on Cleveland’s West Side between 2017 and this month.

The indictment lists 27 charges against various defendants, including drug conspiracy, distribution of heroin and opioids, several weapons charges, money laundering conspiracy and use of a cellphone to commit drug offenses

Sheffield Lake residents Alquin Wells and Ronelle Davis bought ounces of heroin, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to give to drug dealers and customers, according to the indictment. They used Davis’ home to store their drugs, process the heroin and fentanyl and store their profits, prosecutors say.

The pair gave drugs to Malcolm Collins, Travon Gales and Lashaun Moncreif to redistribute. Others involved in the organization, most of whom lived in Cleveland, were also sold heroin and fentanyl to sell to others, according to the indictment.

Many of the drug deals took place in the parking lots of fast-food restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations, including locations in Steelyard Commons and West 117th Street. Several members carried guns to protect themselves and their supplies, according to authorities.

Prosecutors detail at least one violent incident that arose during its investigation. They say Wells was shot three times during a November 2017 home invasion and that two men stole his Range Rover. The car was later found burned on East 32nd Street in Cleveland.

The indictment also says two defendants, Bobbi Boylan and Lisa Goforth, sold a mix of heroin and fentanyl to someone on March 1 that led to an overdose.

The investigation by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force drug case went public April 3 when an FBI spokeswoman confirmed it had executed a series of search warrants. Wells, Davis, Collins and Davis were charged in federal court that day via criminal complaints, though a magistrate judge sealed affidavits to support the charges after prosecutors said their contents would jeopardize an ongoing investigation.

The indictment seeks the forfeiture of more than $44,000 seized during the investigation, as well as six guns and ammunition.

While 20 were named in the drug conspiracy charge, an additional defendant, DeMarco Clayton of Sheffield Lake was separately charged with weapons and drug charges. Authorities say he had heroin, a revolver and ammunition when they arrested him on April 3. He is prohibited from having a gun because of previous felony convictions, according to officials.

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