Scales & Ervin Indicted in 28g Crack Cocaine Ring

RAVENNA, OH – Two Ohio men are facing serious federal charges after an indictment unsealed today revealed a conspiracy to flood the Ravenna area with crack cocaine. Richard Scales, 27, of Windham, Ohio, was taken into custody today, while Mario D. Ervin, 34, of Warren, Ohio, remains a fugitive.

According to the indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury, Ervin and Scales allegedly conspired to distribute more than 28 grams of crack cocaine beginning in or around November 2012. The scheme involved Ervin supplying Scales with the narcotics, which were then distributed throughout Ravenna and potentially beyond. This isn’t some small-time operation; we’re talking about a significant quantity of a highly addictive and destructive drug.

The indictment lays out two specific instances of alleged distribution: November 13 and November 19, 2012, both involving quantities exceeding 28 grams. Count 1 charges conspiracy to distribute, while Counts 2 and 3 detail the actual distribution of the crack cocaine. Federal prosecutors are building a case that paints a clear picture of a deliberate, ongoing criminal enterprise.

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, announced the charges, emphasizing that sentencing will be determined by the court after a full review of the case. Factors considered will include prior criminal records (if any), the defendants’ specific roles, and the nature of the offenses. While the statutory maximum hasn’t been specified, prosecutors will likely push for a substantial penalty given the quantity of drugs involved.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Portage County Drug Task Force, highlighting the collaborative approach law enforcement is taking to dismantle drug networks in Ohio. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer is leading the prosecution, tasked with proving the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is *not* a conviction. Both Ervin and Scales are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the evidence presented to the grand jury was clearly enough to warrant these charges, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely as it moves through the legal system. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mario D. Ervin is urged to contact the DEA or local authorities immediately.