James E. Brooks, Drug Trafficking, Ohio 2015

Drug Trafficking Ring Exposed in Roaming Shores, Ohio

A federal grand jury has returned a six-count superseding indictment charging James E. Brooks, 40, with distribution of heroin, distribution of crack cocaine, possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Brooks, a resident of Roaming Shores, Ohio, remains detained in federal custody. The charges against him stem from his involvement in a drug trafficking ring that was active in the region in 2015.

According to the indictment, Brooks knowingly and intentionally distributed crack cocaine on August 12, 2015, August 13, 2015, and August 17, 2015. He also distributed heroin on August 17, 2015.

Brooks possessed a firearm during the August 17, 2015, drug trafficking crime. The indictment also alleges that on August 20, 2015, Brooks possessed a Walther, model P22, .22 Caliber Pistol; a Winchester, model 50, 12 gauge shotgun; and a Winchester, model 120, 12 gauge shotgun.

Brooks was forbidden from possessing firearms because of previous felony convictions, including drug abuse, burglary, aggravated robbery with a firearm specification, felonious assault, escape, and felonious assault with a firearm specification, all in the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, 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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason M. Katz following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio BCI&I, and the TAG Law Enforcement Task Force.

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.

Brooks’ current status is detained in federal custody.

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