Toledo Seven Face Crack Cocaine Charges

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: In a massive crackdown on drug trafficking in Ohio, an 11-count indictment has been unsealed against seven Toledo men for their alleged roles in a cocaine conspiracy. The defendants, Gale Shelmon, 47, known as G-Force; Percy Underwood, 47, alias Butch; Bryant Anderson, 34, known as B; Larry Jones, 45, alias LA; Justin Toler, 37, known as J-Nut; Creston White, 61; and Darryl Brown, 28, known as D, are accused of distributing both powder and crack cocaine in the Toledo area.

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess large quantities of cocaine, obtained from sources in Texas, which was then transported to Toledo. The drugs were stored and distributed by the accused starting in June 2010, according to the charges.

This investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, aimed at dismantling large-scale drug operations. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas P. Weldon and Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Spaulding are prosecuting the case.

Each defendant faces charges for conspiring to possess cocaine and crack with intent to distribute, with four also charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Sentencing will depend on a review of individual roles and prior records, though it is emphasized that sentences will not exceed statutory maximums in most cases.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.