Richard E. North, Jr. Heroin Distribution, Ohio 2016

Heroin Sales in Youngstown, Ohio Land Georgia Man in Federal Hot Water

A major heroin ring has been busted in the Youngstown area, with a key player facing federal charges. Richard E. North, Jr., 47, of Lithonia, Georgia, has been accused of selling heroin in the Youngstown area on multiple dates in October and November 2016.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja, North was charged with distribution of heroin and travelling in interstate commerce to facilitate the distribution of heroin. The indictment outlines North’s involvement in the heroin trade, including his travels from Ohio to Tennessee on November 7, 2016, with the intent to distribute the highly addictive opioid.

If convicted, North’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, if any, his 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.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David M. Toepfer.

North’s indictment is a stark reminder of the ongoing heroin epidemic plaguing communities across the country. As law enforcement continues to crack down on heroin trafficking, one thing is clear: those involved in the trade will face the full weight of the law.

An indictment is only a charge and 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.

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