Dowdell Indicted for Meth

Jonathan Dowdell, 32, of Akron, and two California men, Dwan Dowdell, 31, and Justin Jones, 26, both of San Bernardino, were indicted for a methamphetamine conspiracy, according to David A. Sierleja, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment charges the three men with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute approximately 900 grams of methamphetamine. They were arrested by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Feb. 15 for shipping the large quantity of methamphetamine from California to Akron.

According to court documents, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service played a key role in the investigation, which also involved Homeland Security Investigation/ICE, Cleveland Police Department, Akron Police Department, and Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. States Attorney Teresa Riley.

The defendants face serious charges, and if convicted, their sentences will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and protect communities from the harm caused by methamphetamine and other illicit substances.

The methamphetamine conspiracy charge is a serious offense, and the large quantity of methamphetamine involved in this case highlights the significant threat posed by drug trafficking organizations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement agencies are committed to disrupting and dismantling these organizations and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable.