10 People Accused Of Selling Crack, Oxycodone In Lorain County

ELYRIA, OH — Ten people have been accused of selling crack cocaine and oxycodone in Lorain County, the Department of Justice announced.

From January 2018 to July 2020, the group distributed at least 280 grams of crack cocaine, 500 grams of cocaine and a mixture with detectable amounts of oxycodone, an indictment said. The narcotics were sold in Elyria and throughout Lorain County, prosecutors said.

The drugs were stored at a home on Foster Avenue in Elyria, the indictment said. That house was used to store, cook and distribute crack cocaine and oxycodone, prosecutors argued. The group also studied police to see how they patrolled the area and investigated narcotics crimes, prosecutors noted.

The group was taken into custody on Monday, prosecutors said.

“Drug dealers and others criminal have long targeted Lorain County as an area to exploit and sell their deadly product,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Since 2018, as part of Operation SOS, we have committed to assisting our state and local partners by federally prosecuting any fentanyl or opioid trafficking offense from Lorain County. Today’s arrests send a strong message – if you deal dope in Lorain County, you will face a federal prosecution.”

The 10 accused people, all from Elyria, are: Terrence Bowens, 44; Cedric Green, 34; Marcus Harder, 36; James Milton Jr; Lavar Thornton, 42; James Robinson, 46; Randy Glover, 44; Harold Kimbro, 46; Kavis Roberts, 43; and Melanie Grantham, 57.

Bowens has a previous felony conviction for drug trafficking, prosecutors said.

The DEA, FBI, Elyria police and Lorain County Sheriff's office led the investigation into the drug ring, prosecutors said.

“These arrests and charges are a reminder drug traffickers have little regard for human life,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of illicit drugs and to prosecute those who look to profit from criminal activity.”