Ravenna Meth & Gun Duo Face Federal Charges

RAVENNA, OH – Dustin Shepherd, 31, of Ravenna, known on the streets as “Rev,” and Christopher Ferry, 21, of Newton Falls, dubbed “Skinny,” are facing serious federal charges following a lengthy investigation into their alleged drug dealing operation. The pair are accused of conspiring to flood the Ravenna area with methamphetamine and marijuana, and Shepherd is additionally facing firearms violations despite a prior criminal record.

According to a seven-count indictment unsealed today by United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, Steven M. Dettelbach, the alleged conspiracy stretched from October 2013 through March 2014. Prosecutors claim Shepherd supplied Ferry with both methamphetamine and marijuana for distribution throughout Ravenna and surrounding areas. The indictment details a clear division of labor, with Shepherd allegedly acting as the primary source and Ferry handling street-level distribution.

The charges don’t stop at drugs. On March 14, 2014, Ferry is accused of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Shepherd faces even more significant accusations. On March 28, 2014, he allegedly possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine *and* marijuana with the intent to distribute. But the most damning charges center around weaponry. On February 27 and March 28, 2014, Shepherd allegedly possessed over 50 firearms and a staggering 24,000 rounds of ammunition – all while being a convicted felon. His prior convictions stem from Tehama County Superior Court in California, involving commercial burglary and possession for sale of a controlled substance.

Adding another layer to the case, Count 7 alleges that on March 28, 2014, Shepherd possessed a firearm while actively engaged in drug trafficking, specifically while possessing methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to distribute. This significantly increases the potential penalties he faces. Federal prosecutors are building a case that Shepherd wasn’t just dealing drugs, he was armed and dangerous while doing it.

The investigation was a multi-agency effort, bringing together the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Illinois State Police, the Portage County Drug Task Force, and the Akron City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer is prosecuting the case. The combined resources point to the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating this operation.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a verdict. Shepherd and Ferry are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. However, the charges themselves paint a grim picture of a well-supplied drug operation and a convicted felon brazenly stockpiling firearms. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the courtroom.