Euclid man indicted for having more than 200 grams of carfentanil

A Euclid man was indicted for having cocaine and more than 200 grams of carfentanil, said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman and Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.

Troy Baker, 37, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute carfentanil and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Baker had approximately 218 grams of carfentanil, as well as cocaine, on June 27, according to the indictment.

“This amount of carfentanil could kill tens of thousands of people,” Herdman said. “This is an example of a tip from a citizen resulting in police action and a safer community.”

“This investigation, conducted by members of the Euclid Police Department -- Narcotics and Vice Unit, shows the power and importance of tips from the public,” Meyer said. “These tips can be provided anonymously.  It is the responsibility of all to combat this opiate epidemic.  We are very pleased that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has adopted this case for prosecution.”      

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 violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Sweeney following an investigation by the Euclid Police Department and Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force.

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.