Joshua Novak, Drug Trafficking, Ohio 2019

Crime and corruption run deep in our communities. In Elyria, Ohio, a shocking case of drug trafficking has come to light, and the consequences are severe.

On February 19, 2019, the Elyria Police Department and FBI executed a search warrant at the residence of Joshua Novak, 28, uncovering nearly 7 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, a firearm, ammunition, and other drug trafficking tools.

According to court documents, Novak was involved in the sale of crack cocaine and a mixture of heroin and fentanyl on multiple occasions in February of 2019. This brazen display of criminal activity has earned Novak a lengthy prison sentence.

On [date] (no date specified), Novak was sentenced to 151 months in prison for his crimes. The charges against him include two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The case against Novak is one of nearly eighty prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), a nationwide program aimed at combating the opioid epidemic. Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation SOS, demonstrating the Justice Department's commitment to working with local partners to make our communities safer.

This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the devastating impact it has on our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to investigate and report on cases like Novak's, shedding light on the crimes that plague our cities and holding those responsible accountable.

This case was investigated by the Elyria Police Department and FBI, with assistance from the Lorain County Prosecutor's Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros, and Robert J. Kolansky.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndoh/pr/elyria-man-sentenced-more-12-years-prison-drug-trafficking-and-firearms-conviction