Heroin And Firearms Charges Filed Against Akron Man

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ernest Gaines, of Akron, with four counts related to the distribution of heroin and illegally having a firearm, said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Gaines, 45, was charged with with one count of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of using and maintaining a premises for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute heroin.

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 investigation was conducted under the U.S. Attorney’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is part of a national program that seeks to identify, investigate and prosecute significant drug trafficking enterprises by utilizing multiple investigative and prosecuted resources.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Akron Police Department Street Narcotics Uniformed Detail, and the Summit County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative. 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.