Rated R Gang Members Get Decades in Canton Drug Case

CANTON, OH – The streets of Canton are a little less poisoned this week after four members of the notorious ‘Rated R’ street gang received substantial federal prison sentences for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The sentences, handed down this week, represent a significant blow to the gang’s activity in Stark County, according to federal prosecutors.

Jasmine Watkins, 29, was slapped with a 20-year sentence. Virgil Hill, 26, identified as the leader of “Rated R,” will also spend the next 20 years behind bars. Cordrick Owens, 32, received 12 years and 7 months, while Jerry Gordon, 25, faces 10 years in prison. All four previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances – cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. Watkins also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, adding an additional 10-year sentence to be served concurrently with his primary sentence.

The operation, detailed in court documents, centered around a network funneling drugs into Stark County. Watkins allegedly provided Gordon with shipments of drugs at a residence in Columbus, which were then transported to a stash house on Sol Beck NE in Canton controlled by Gordon. From there, the drugs were distributed to local dealers. Hill and others reportedly made large purchases of cocaine directly from Gordon, solidifying his role as a key supplier.

“This group is well known to law enforcement for causing serious trouble throughout Canton,” stated U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach. “These prison sentences will eliminate some of the worst of the worst offenders in Stark County.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony added, “These four sentences wrap up another phase of law enforcements efforts to dismantle drug trafficking groups in our area. The FBI will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to make Canton neighborhoods a safer place to live.”

These sentences aren’t isolated incidents. A total of seventeen individuals have now been sentenced to prison in connection with this case, including Travis Grant (10 years, 1 month), Timothy Bertram (4 years, 9 months), Oscar Todd (10 years, 5 months), Edward Turpin IV (10 years), Perez Antwan Williams (5 years), Demond Hill (10 years, 2 months), Bennie Woodson (6 years, 10 months), Ronald D. Hill (6 years, 10 months), John L. Hill (3 years, 1 month), Barry Giamourdes (4 years, 3 months), Brandon Jones (10 years), Lavanya Mayle (5 years), and Brian Brown (6 years).

The investigation, led by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force – a coalition including the Canton Police Department, Alliance Police Department, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, Massillon Police Department and Perry Police Department – is ongoing. Federal prosecutors, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Linda H. Barr and Vasile C. Katsaros, are currently pursuing indictments against five additional suspects believed to be involved in the conspiracy. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, bringing you the unvarnished truth about crime in America.

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