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Press Release

Elyria man sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug and firearms crimes

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio

An Elyria man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug and firearms crimes, law enforcement officials said.

 

Octavious Smith, 38, was previously found guilty of distribution of heroin and cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

 

Smith sold heroin and cocaine on June 10, 2015. Two months later, he possessed a Desert Eagle 9 mm pistol and ammunition, despite prior felony convictions that made it illegal for him to have a firearm, according to court documents.

 

“This defendant has a history of selling drugs and illegally carrying a firearm,” Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja said. “He earned every day of this prison sentence.”

 

“This case is another outstanding example of what can be accomplished when local, state and federal agencies work together to protect our community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony.

 

“This is another example of local and federal law enforcement working together to put a violent career criminal behind bars,” said Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely. “Not only is the city of Elyria safer because of this, so is the entire Cleveland area. I want to thank the U.S Attorney’s Office for their continued assistance to the Elyria Police Department and the citizens of Elyria.”

 

This case is the latest in a series that represent a coordinated effort on behalf of the federal and state partners to hold accountable individuals who all have significant prior firearm and or drug charges and have continued to possess firearms and/or peddle drugs in Lorain County.

 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Corts, Vasile Katsaros and Marisa T. Darden following an investigation by the FBI and Elyria Police Department.

Updated March 15, 2017

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Firearms Offenses