Federal Agents File Charges Against 54 Northeast Ohioans

CLEVELAND — Operation Legend has led to federal charges being filed against 54 Northeast Ohioans, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.

“Operation Legend has had a strong start in the city of Cleveland and we hope to build upon this early success,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “This initiative has already seen more than 50 defendants charged with federal crimes and has removed numerous firearms and drugs off our streets. This success is due to the strong partnership that we have here in Cleveland between city, state and federal law enforcement.”

In late July, government officials announced 25 federal agents would be relocated permanently to Cleveland as part of a surge in federal law enforcement in Northeast Ohio. Officials were quick to note the agents would not be riot police, but federal agents brought in to stymie a spike in homicides in Cleveland.

Homicides are up more than 10 percent in Cleveland this year and the surge of federal agents is designed to halt further killings.

Here's a breakdown of the charges brought in Northeast Ohio by Operation Legend:

• 39 defendants have been charged with narcotics-related offenses;
• 13 defendants have been charged with firearms-related offenses; and
• 2 defendants have been charged with other violent crimes.