A federal grand returned a four-count indictment charging Christopher J. Rivera, age 27, of Cleveland, Ohio, Clinton T. Widdowson, age 32, of Rome, Ohio, Cory R. Delesky, age 25, and George A. Thompson, age 31, both of Elyria, Ohio, with conspiracy to manufacture (cultivate) 1,000 or more marijuana plants, manufacturing (cultivating) 1,000 or more marijuana plants, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and using and maintaining a residence for the purpose of manufacturing (cultivating) marijuana, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The indictment also provides for the forfeiture of approximately $30,000 in U.S. currency as proceeds of alleged marijuana trafficking.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Yannucci.

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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