Ricardo Rivera, Heroin Distribution, Ohio 2023

HEROIN DISTRIBUTION ROCKS TOLEDO

Two Toledo men were criminally charged after DEA agents arrested them for distributing six kilograms of heroin in North Baltimore, Ohio.

Ricardo Rivera, 40, was arrested after DEA agents observed him take a black duffel bag from 1443 Western Avenue in Toledo and place it in the trunk of a vehicle. That car was stopped in North Baltimore, Ohio, and found to have six kilograms of heroin.

Rivera was charged with felonious assault in March 2017 following a shooting. The day of the drug transaction, Rivera was traveling with a security detail. One of the bodyguards wore a vest with the insignia and name “Omens,” a motorcycle gang from Detroit, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

Rivera was charged in federal court with distribution of heroin and faces a sentence determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

Andres Mendez, 25, was charged in state court for his role in the sale and transportation of the heroin. Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said, “We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic the heroin and opioids that have killed so many of our neighbors and relatives. Only through enforcement, combined with education and prevention efforts, can we hope to turn the tide on this epidemic.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Rivera and Mendez are currently awaiting their trials.

A charge is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

MANDATORY FACTS

Defendant/Respondent: Ricardo Rivera, Andres Mendez

Criminal Charges: Felonious assault, Distribution of heroin

City and State: Toledo, Ohio

Exact Date: No specific date mentioned

Sentence or Outcome: Awaiting trial

Dollar Amounts: No dollar amounts mentioned

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