400 Grams Of Fentanyl Allegedly Brought Into Ohio By Drug Ring

LORAIN, OH — Nine people have been indicted for allegedly trying to bring in large amounts of fentanyl and carfentainl, synthetic heroins, into the United States. The group allegedly brought the drugs into the country and then sold the drugs in Akron and Lorain.

The synthetic heroins were allegedly brought in from China between May 2016 and February 2018. More than 400 grams of fentanyl and 9.65 grams of carfentanil, the Department of Justice said.

“This case demonstrates the lengths drug dealers will go to in order to obtain deadly drugs to feed the addiction of their customers,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony in a statement. “This group flaunted their lucrative drug trafficking organization proceeds by purchasing homes, cars and other items in an attempt to hide their cash. The FBI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to help rid our communities of the individuals that bring poison to our streets.”

The indictment also says the group bought guns, body armor and ammunition to protect their drug trafficking efforts. The leader of the group allegedly created companies, bought cars, jewelry, handbags, furs, shoes and other items to launder drug profits.

The nine people named in the indictment are: Donte L. Gibson, 39; Audrey J. Gibson, 34; Dontaysha S. Gibson, 21; Derrick A. Adams II, 22; Lisa A. Richardson, 54, all of Akron; Lori E. Martin, 57, of Barberton; Ajarae C. Hisle, 27, of Lorain; Jamar J. Jackson, 28, of Lorain, and Garrett R. Frantz, 20, of North Canton.The nine people have also been charged for firearm and money laundering violations, according to the Department of Justice.

The indictment says Donte and Aubrey Gibson would buy both fentanyl and carfentanil from China over the internet then had the drugs shipped to spots around Akron and Canton. Members of the group would then pick the drugs up from different post office boxes.

Donte Gibson would allegedly cut the drugs with other white powders, turning 70 or 80 grams of pure fentanyl or carfentanil into seven kilograms of saleable product, the indictment said. Donte and Aubrey would then turn the drugs over to their daughter, Dontaysha and others to sell in Akron and Lorain.

Different homes and storage units were used to store both drugs and cash, the DOJ said. Some of the drugs were also stored at a home on Popham Street, where the couple's younger daughter overdosed on fentanyl, the indictment said.

“These defendants brought huge quantities of deadly fentanyl and carfentanil into Akron, threatening the lives of so many of our neighbors, friends, and family,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “They used firearms and body armor to protect their drug trafficking, and set up fake companies to launder their dirty drug money.”

The group used various tactics to launder their profits, the DOJ said. Aubrey started a company called JayT AllServices, which was in the business of remodeling, painting and cleaning out homes. Donte said he was an employee of the company, the indictment said.

Aubrey also allegedly started a company called IAmPoundCake.com, which purported to sell clothing and "one of a kind items" and access to a members-only Snapchat featuring Aubrey “being flirty or nasty depending on the day,” according to the indictment.

“I feel a strong sense of relief knowing that a group of criminals that had a major role in the city's battle against drugs, and the companion, devastating effects of addiction, will be held accountable. I am proud of the work of Akron's team and our partners with the Safe Streets Task Force," Akron Police Chief Kenneth Ball said in a statement. "Gibson and his conspirators have been justly charged, they now need to be justly tried and sentenced.”

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