17 People Accused Of Drug Trafficking In Northeast Ohio

MANSFIELD, OH — Seventeen people have been accused of trafficking narcotics in Northeast Ohio.

In a 26-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury, the group was accused of distributing methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine in Northeast Ohio, specifically the Mansfield area. Fifteen people named in the indictment were taken into custody during an early morning "takedown operation," the Department of Justice said.

“During the past few years, federal and local law enforcement partners have been working tirelessly to identify, arrest and incarcerate drug traffickers in the Mansfield and Richland areas,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Anyone attempting to sell drugs in this community should be prepared for a strong law enforcement presence and response.”

The indictment said the group was active from March 2018 to September 2020. Prosecutors believe the group acquired narcotics from suppliers in California and then sold the drugs to customers in Northeast Ohio.

"Another group of drug traffickers are being held accountable for their illicit distribution of illegal narcotics on our neighborhood streets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith. “Over the past three years, collaborative law enforcement efforts have rid the streets of Mansfield of over 150 individuals for bringing poison to our community. Law enforcement will continue to identify, disarm and disrupt drug trafficking organizations in our territory.”

The people named in the indictment are:

• Antoine Bentley, 36, of Mansfield;
• Tiffany Boggs, 25, of Mansfield;
• Jerry Bowen, 28, of Mansfield;
• Ryan Day, 37, of Butler;
• Ashley Fields, 25, of Mansfield;
• Sheldon Holbrook, 27, of Mansfield;
• Eric Jackson, 43, of Bellville;
• Michelle Jarvis, 36, of Ashley;
• Jason Jarvis, 40, of Mansfield;
• Brandon Mann, 38, of Mansfield;
• Gregory McClintok, 27, of Mansfield;
• Michael Murphy, 37, of Mansfield;
• Mark Spear, 37, of Ashland;
• Roger Schlupp, 33, of Tiffin;
• Nicholas Vargas, 39, of Plymouth;
• Zachary Wallen, 39, of Mansfield and
• Roz Whitworth, 38, of Mansfield.

“The drug trafficking problem in the city of Mansfield and Richland County is being addressed on a continuing basis,” said Richland County Sheriff J. Steve Sheldon. “We are greatly appreciative of our fellow local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their assistance.”