A grand jury has indicted Raymond A. McGhee, 37, of Hilliard, Ohio, for distributing fentanyl that resulted in at least one overdose death. The indictment, which was returned today, charges McGhee with distributing fentanyl resulting in death, a crime punishable by at least 20 years and up to life in prison.
According to charging documents, McGhee, who is also known as “Red” and “Draco,” distributed the fatal fentanyl on Feb. 22. This is not McGhee’s first run-in with the law, as he was previously charged by criminal complaint in April after patrol officers with the Columbus Division of Police stopped him for two traffic violations.
During the traffic stop, officers discovered a pistol and a sock filled with baggies of fentanyl and cocaine hidden under the carpet of the passenger side floorboard. This discovery led to McGhee’s initial charges, which have now been expanded upon with the latest indictment.
In addition to the charge of distributing fentanyl resulting in death, McGhee is also charged with five other drug counts and two firearms crimes. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Columbus Division of Police.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. As the case against McGhee moves forward, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold accountable those who traffic in deadly drugs like fentanyl.
The charges against McGhee are a reminder of the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking. The investigation into McGhee’s activities is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed in the future. For now, McGhee faces the possibility of at least 20 years in prison if convicted of distributing fentanyl resulting in death.
RELATED: Akron Dealer McGhee Caught with Guns & Deadly Drugs
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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