AKRON, OH – Justin Bush, 35, of Canton, Ohio, is headed to federal prison for nearly eight years after admitting his role in a decade-long campaign of violence and drug dealing orchestrated by the Shorb Blocc gang. U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi handed down a 96-month sentence on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, following Bush’s guilty plea to charges of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, and narcotics distribution.
Bush wasn’t just a bystander; court documents paint him as a long-term member of the Shorb Blocc, a notorious gang that has plagued Canton with shootings, robberies, and a steady flow of illicit drugs. The gang’s activities stretched across the last ten years, turning streets into battlegrounds and fueling addiction in the community. Bush actively participated in these crimes, directly contributing to the gang’s power and profit.
Specifically, prosecutors detailed how Bush engaged in shooting at rival gang members – escalating tensions and endangering lives – and peddled fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid responsible for countless overdoses nationwide. Beyond the violence, Bush’s drug dealing directly fed the opioid crisis gripping the nation, profiting from the misery of others. He will also pay a $300 special assessment fee.
The ATF, along with the Canton Police Department, spent considerable resources untangling the Shorb Blocc’s network and bringing its members to justice. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation built on intimidation, violence, and a ruthless pursuit of profit. This wasn’t a spontaneous outbreak of crime, but a carefully constructed criminal enterprise.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros, and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel spearheaded the prosecution, building a case based on solid evidence and witness testimony. The lengthy sentence handed down to Bush serves as a warning to other gang members and drug traffickers operating in Northern Ohio – federal law enforcement is watching, and consequences will be severe.
Following his imprisonment, Bush will face three years of supervised release, a period where his activities will be monitored to ensure he doesn’t return to his criminal ways. While 96 months offers some measure of accountability, the damage inflicted by Bush and the Shorb Blocc on the Canton community will linger for years to come. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities anticipate further arrests and convictions related to the Shorb Blocc’s criminal enterprise.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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