Antonio Cuevas-Baltazar, Cocaine Possession with Intent to Distribu…

A 21-year-old Massillon man is facing federal time after being caught with over 500 grams of cocaine, according to a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. Antonio Cuevas-Baltazar is charged with possession with intent to distribute, a serious federal offense carrying steep penalties.

The indictment alleges Cuevas-Baltazar possessed the massive cocaine haul on January 2, setting off a chain of events that led to his arrest and prosecution. Possession of more than 500 grams triggers enhanced sentencing guidelines under federal law, exposing him to years behind bars if convicted.

U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon confirmed the charges, emphasizing the ongoing crackdown on drug traffickers moving bulk narcotics through Ohio. “This is not casual possession,” Rendon said. “We’re dealing with a quantity that fuels widespread addiction and street-level distribution.”

The investigation was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol—agencies increasingly working in tandem to intercept large-scale drug operations along major transit corridors. Details of the arrest, including location and surveillance methods, remain under seal.

Assistant United States Attorney Jason M. Katz is leading the prosecution. Cuevas-Baltazar’s eventual sentence, if convicted, will be determined by the court after evaluating factors such as criminal history, role in the offense, and statutory sentencing ranges. The maximum penalty is capped by law, though most defendants receive less than the maximum.

It’s important to remember an indictment is not a conviction. Cuevas-Baltazar is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. His trial date has not yet been scheduled.

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