6 Charged in Middletown ‘All State’ Fentanyl Ring

Five men and one woman are facing federal charges in a violent narcotics conspiracy that flooded Middletown, Ohio with over 400 grams of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of heroin. A 38-count indictment unsealed today alleges the group, which calls itself “All State,” operated a ruthless drug network between October 2018 and May 2019, using firearms, intimidation, and even plotting murder to maintain control.

Those charged include Benwan A. Edwards, Marqui D. L. Conley, Joseph L. Singletary, Jr. (aka “Joker”), Will D. Owens V, Hailey E. P. Meeks, and Tyrese A. Robinson (aka “Tye” or “Moneybags”). Federal prosecutors say Edwards and Conley led the operation, while the others acted as sub-distributors, couriers, and enforcers. The indictment details more than 40 individual drug transactions, with sales ranging from $400 to $2,600.

U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman described the group as not just a drug ring but a violent enterprise. “According to the indictment’s allegations, certain co-conspirators used and brandished firearms to facilitate their drug trafficking business, intimidate rivals, and punish anyone who stood in their way,” Glassman said. In January 2019, Edwards, Conley, and an associate allegedly discussed a murder-for-hire during a narcotics deal.

Just weeks later, Edwards was recorded saying, “I got to this level from staying low and getting n***** knocked the f*** off for stepping in my lane,” a chilling admission that underscores the brutality attributed to the organization. The indictment charges all defendants with narcotics conspiracy, punishable by 10 years to life in prison, along with additional counts including firearm possession during drug trafficking and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Federal authorities are seeking the forfeiture of 19 vehicles—including a Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, and BMW—nine firearms, and nearly $12,000 in cash. The assets are alleged to be proceeds of the drug operation. The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI, Middletown Police, Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Drug Task Force, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI Safe Street Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karl P. Kadon is prosecuting the case. The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The indictment marks a major blow to organized drug activity in the Southern District of Ohio—but also exposes the deadly lengths traffickers will go to protect their empire.

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