Youngstown-Warren Drug Ring Busted: 18 Charged, Fentanyl Overdose Linked

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – Eighteen individuals are facing federal charges following a massive takedown of a drug trafficking operation spanning the Youngstown-Warren area. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the indictments today, alleging a widespread conspiracy involving cocaine, crack, heroin, fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other deadly narcotics. Disturbingly, one of the indictments directly links the distribution of a substance to a fatal overdose.

U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman didn’t mince words. “Because of today’s operation, 14 drug traffickers in the Youngstown and Warren areas accused of dealing deadly narcotics and opioids are now off the streets,” Herdman stated. “These drug traffickers charged and arrested today are accused of brazenly selling all types of lethal drugs, including one instance that led to a fatal overdose, according to the indictment.” Four suspects remain at large as of this publication. The operation, a collaborative effort between multiple federal agencies, represents a significant blow to the region’s illicit drug trade.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith emphasized the danger posed by the organization. “This group of individuals brought danger, illegal drugs, and violence to our communities,” Smith said. “Law enforcement will continue to identify, disrupt and hold accountable drug trafficking organizations conducting their unlawful activities on our neighborhood streets.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin echoed this sentiment, pledging continued commitment to dismantling similar operations. The indictments, unsealed today in federal court, detail a complex network of drug distribution and related criminal activity.

The most comprehensive indictment, a 92-count document, targets Vincent Richardson, 28, of Warren, Ohio, alleged to be the ringleader. Also charged in this indictment are Del’reno Armstrong, 22, of Warren, Ohio; Marcus Williams, 27, of Warren, Ohio (at large); Randall Morgan, 34, of Warren, Ohio; Sean King, 33, of Warren, Ohio; William Crenshaw, 35, of Warren, Ohio (at large); Kvonn Watson, 26, of Warren, Ohio (at large); Matthew Cavin, 30, of Warren, Ohio; Stashon Williams, 35, of Niles, Ohio (at large); Jalissa Morgan, 38, of Warren, Ohio; and Aubrey Adams, 38, of Warren, Ohio. Charges include use of a communications facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and various counts of trafficking heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and crack cocaine.

A separate 14-count indictment focuses on conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Vincente R. Turner, 43, of Youngstown, Ohio; Christopher J. Anderson, 36, of Mineral Ridge, Ohio; Nicholas A. Anderson, 33, of Mineral Ridge, Ohio; and Kenneth P. Mazurkiewicz, 53, of Youngstown, Ohio, are all named in this indictment, facing charges of conspiracy, use of a communications facility, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Another nine-count indictment names Williams L. Stubbs, 41, of Youngstown, Ohio, and EC Robinson, 35, of Sharon, Pennsylvania, for similar cocaine-related offenses, including possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Perhaps the most chilling indictment, a five-count document, directly connects the actions of Tyron T. Scott, 23, of Youngstown, and Kenneth P. Mazurkiewicz, 53, of Youngstown, Ohio, to a fatal fentanyl distribution. They are charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, alongside charges for distributing heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Court documents reveal that, from March 2019 to February 2020, Richardson allegedly operated the drug trafficking organization. The full scope of the operation, and the number of lives potentially impacted, is still being investigated. This bust sends a clear message: dealing death in Youngstown and Warren will not be tolerated.