Akron men indicted for trafficking crystal methamphetamine

Two Akron men were indicted for trafficking crystal methamphetamine, said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja.

Gary G. Hite, Jr., 48, and Ugunda Giovanni Sanders, 44, were both charged with one count each of h possession of approximately 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine and conspiracy to possess and distribute approximately 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

Hite and Sanders were arrested on June 28, 2017, after being stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in Summit County. A canine alerted on the vehicle during the traffic stop. More than 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine were located in several pieces of luggage in the trunk, according to the indictment.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s 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 matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa L. Riley following an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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.