DAYTON, OH – Middletown pharmacies were targeted in a pair of brazen robberies earlier this year, and now five individuals are facing serious federal consequences. A grand jury returned indictments this week, charging the suspects with a litany of offenses related to the theft of powerful prescription drugs and their subsequent sale on the streets.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman, alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge Angela Byers and Middletown Police Chief Rodney Muterspaw, announced the indictments today. The investigation revealed a two-pronged operation targeting pharmacies on April 18th and 19th, and again on April 29th. Authorities allege the motive was simple: profit from the illicit drug trade.
The first indictment focuses on Calvin Cavonte Tribble, 19, and Savon Anthony Davis, 23, both of Dayton. They are accused of attempting to rob a Middletown pharmacy on April 18, 2017, and successfully robbing the same location the following day. A separate indictment targets three Indianapolis men: Eric Lamont Bates, 20, Yasar Jamal Burnett, 18, and Brandon Lee Dawson, 19, who allegedly conspired to rob another Middletown pharmacy on April 29, 2017, specifically targeting morphine and oxycodone.
The charges are substantial. All five defendants are charged with conspiracy, robbery by force, interference with commerce by threats of violence, and possession with intent to distribute the stolen drugs. If convicted, each faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment. These aren’t petty thefts; this is a calculated effort to flood the streets with dangerous narcotics.
Middletown police initially apprehended the suspects on the dates of the robberies, filing state charges. However, the case has now moved to the federal level, with all defendants appearing in federal court. Savon Anthony Davis has been released with conditions, but the remaining four – Tribble, Bates, Burnett, and Dawson – are currently being held without bond, awaiting trial. Expect a fierce legal battle.
U.S. Attorney Glassman praised the collaborative effort between the Middletown Police Department and the FBI, highlighting the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Smith and Brent Tabacchi. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the evidence, as presented to the grand jury, paints a disturbing picture of calculated crime and disregard for public safety. # # #
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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