Six Men Indicted for Heroin Distribution Conspiracy, Cleveland OH, …

CLEVELAND, OH – Six men from across Northeast Ohio have been formally indicted on federal conspiracy charges related to a large-scale heroin distribution network, the Department of Justice announced today. The indictment alleges a coordinated effort to flood the streets with the deadly opioid, spanning from approximately August 2012 to June 2013. This isn’t a street-level hustle; authorities believe these men were moving kilograms of heroin.

Those indicted include Maceo Moore, aka “Chase,” aka “Paper,” 37, of Euclid; Keith Ricks, aka “K-Mack,” 31, of Cleveland; Maurice Golston, aka “Reese,” 32, of Cleveland; Leamon Shephard, aka “Juice,” 25, of Cleveland; Dionte Thompson, aka “Dionte Ricks,” aka “Pringles,” 24, of Cleveland; and Marcus Blue, aka “Blue,” 30, of Cleveland. Each man faces one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, a charge that carries a hefty potential sentence if they’re convicted.

Federal prosecutors – Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd, Matthew B. Kall, and Daniel J. Riedl – are building their case based on an investigation conducted by a multi-agency task force. The Federal Bureau of Investigation took the lead, bolstered by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF), the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, and even the Internal Revenue Service. This wasn’t a quick bust; it was a long, methodical unraveling of a criminal enterprise.

All six defendants were initially arrested on June 19, 2013, after being charged by a federal complaint. Notably, each defendant waived their rights to a detention hearing and a preliminary hearing, and were immediately ordered held without bond pending further court proceedings. That speaks to the strength of the initial evidence, or at least the defendants’ assessment of their situation. They clearly weren’t eager to face a judge.

While the indictment is a significant step, it’s crucial to remember that it represents accusations, not proof. An indictment is merely a formal charge, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The government bears the burden of proof, and these men have the right to a fair trial. However, if convicted, the sentences will be determined by the court, taking into account prior criminal records, their specific roles in the operation, and the details of the offense.

The NOLETF, a collaborative effort involving numerous law enforcement agencies across Cuyahoga County and beyond, played a vital role in this investigation. As one of the initial Ohio HIDTA initiatives, the task force is dedicated to dismantling drug trafficking networks throughout the region. This case highlights the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in tackling the opioid crisis that continues to plague communities nationwide. The HIDTA Program provides crucial support to these local task forces, enabling them to effectively combat drug trafficking and protect our streets.

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