Five people named in 17-count indictment related to the seizure of eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash

Five people were named in a 17-count federal indictment related to the seizure of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of heroin and $1.1 million in cash.

Kenneth Blackshaw, 53, of Cleveland; Jorge Alberto Barrera, 43, of Mexico; Miguel Angel Marquez, 44, of Fresno, California; Donald Earl Knighten 43, of Bedford, and Kimberly Yvette Green, 49, of Cleveland Heights, were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

Additional charges include distribution of cocaine and heroin, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and other charges.

Blackshaw, Barrera, Marquez and Knighten were arrested on June 15 at 1538 Addison Road in Cleveland. DEA agents searched the house and found nine individually wrapped bundles of drugs, as well as 32 bundles of cash, according to court documents.

“These arrests and the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs before it hit the streets of Cleveland undoubtedly saved lives,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “The DEA and their partners are to be thanked for working around the clock this weekend to make the arrests and seize the drugs, as well as approximately $1.1 million in drug proceeds.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith W. Martin said: “The DEA’s mission is to disrupt the flow of dangerous drugs, and this case is a great example of that work. This seizure and arrests will help make Cleveland safer.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Seabury Gould following an investigation by the DEA.

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing 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.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.