“Worm” Roberson’s Opioid Network Busted: 14 Face Life in Prison

CINCINNATI – Federal authorities today unsealed indictments against 14 individuals accused of running a sprawling narcotics conspiracy that pumped millions of dollars worth of opioids into the streets of Cincinnati, Akron, Fairfield, and even across state lines to Gary, Indiana. The operation, allegedly spearheaded by Steffen Roberson, 40, of Cincinnati, known on the streets as “Worm,” has been under investigation for at least four years.

Each of the defendants is charged with conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl – a charge that carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could land them in jail for life. The indictment also details the distribution of heroin and methamphetamine within the network. Thirteen of the suspects are currently in custody and will appear in federal court in Cincinnati. However, Sterling Parish, 36, of Cincinnati, remains a fugitive, and authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact FBI Cincinnati at 513-421-4310.

According to an affidavit, Steffen Roberson was the central figure, allegedly operating one of the largest heroin/fentanyl drug trafficking organizations in the greater Cincinnati area. His brother, Anthony Roberson, 44, of Cincinnati, also known as “Don” or “Chemist,” allegedly played a critical role, manufacturing heroin and fentanyl mixtures – cutting the narcotics with fillers and constantly seeking ways to increase potency. Sources indicate “Worm” routinely purchased distributable amounts of opioids for hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, sourcing from suppliers in Atlanta and Baltimore.

Law enforcement has been chipping away at the operation for years. Since 2018, over 30 state and federal search warrants have been executed at the residences of those allegedly involved, routinely uncovering large quantities of fentanyl and loaded firearms. The investigation has already yielded significant seizures: approximately $150,000 in cash, 10 kilograms of fentanyl, multiple vehicles, and 28 firearms. This wasn’t a small-time operation; this was a sophisticated network with deep pockets and a blatant disregard for human life.

The full list of those charged includes: Steffen Roberson (40, Cincinnati), Anthony Roberson (44, Cincinnati), Devon Price (36, Atlanta), Quinton Jennings (39, Cincinnati), David Hamler (31, Maineville, Ohio), Gregory Donaldson, Jr. (32, Cincinnati), Donald Fairbanks III (33, Middletown, Ohio), Roderick Smith (46, Cincinnati), Rashawn Zanders (35, Cincinnati), Sterling Parish (36, Cincinnati – *Fugitive*), Jerome Newton, Jr. (29, Cincinnati), Jimmy Daniel III (32, Cincinnati), Alton Beacher (42, Cincinnati), and Juan Marcano (47, New York City).

United States Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio, FBI Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers, and Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac jointly announced the charges. They praised the collaborative effort of the Hamilton County Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit (RENU), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the Drug Abuse and Reduction Task Force (DART), Middletown Police Department, Warren County Drug Task Force (WCDTF), Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Unit (BURN), Hamilton County Probation Office, and other agencies. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley N. Brucato and Dominick S. Gerace are prosecuting the case. It is important to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.