Tabatabai Clan Busted in Coast-to-Coast Drug Ring

GRAFTON, OH – Six individuals are facing serious federal charges after being indicted for their alleged roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation stretching from California to Ohio and West Virginia. The scheme involved shipping multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, according to Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

Named in the 19-count indictment are: Roya Tabatabai, 32, of Grafton; Omid Tabatabai, 36, of Los Angeles; Joshua Thacker, 36, of Elyria; Joseph Bratkovich, 41, of Wellington; Gabrielle Fry, 22, of California, and Nancy Rhode, 39, of Maysel, W. Va. The indictment paints a picture of a tightly-knit operation relying on family ties and interstate shipping to move illicit substances.

The indictment alleges that Omid Tabatabai acted as the primary source, obtaining substantial amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine from suppliers in Los Angeles. He then allegedly orchestrated weekly shipments of these drugs, mailing them to his sister, Roya Tabatabai, and other associates. Roya Tabatabai, in turn, is accused of distributing the drugs to Thacker, Bratkovich, Rhodes, and others across Ohio and West Virginia, using her residence at 36097 Capel Road in Grafton as a central hub for storage and distribution.

Federal investigators discovered that the operation wasn’t just about moving drugs; it was protected by firepower. Omid Tabatabai, Thacker, and Bratkovich are all accused of possessing firearms specifically to safeguard their illegal drug trafficking activities. The alleged conspiracy spanned a significant period, running from 2015 until this year. The DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service worked together to build the case, uncovering the cross-country network.

The potential penalties for the defendants remain unclear, with sentencing determined by the court after considering individual factors such as prior criminal records and the specific roles each played in the conspiracy. However, prosecutors emphasized that any sentence will not exceed statutory maximums and is likely to be less than the maximum allowed by law. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vasile Katsaros and Phillip Tripi are prosecuting the case.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. They are entitled to a fair trial where the government bears the full burden of proof. This investigation highlights the continued flow of dangerous narcotics into the Midwest and the lengths criminal organizations will go to profit from addiction.