Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine and for Violating Parole

CLEVELAND – A Cuyahoga County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy committed while he was out on release after serving a prison sentence for a previous drug offense.

Deion Thompson, 39, of Cleveland, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after pleading guilty in July 2025 to the following charges:

• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances

In addition to the sentence on the drug charges, he was also ordered to serve two years of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release, which he had been serving as a result of a 2014 conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin. Judge Barker imposed the sentences Jan. 5.

According to court documents, from about April 1 to July 12, 2023, Thompson and a co-conspirator knowingly conspired to traffic fentanyl, cocaine base (crack), and cocaine throughout the Greater Cleveland region. Federal agents executed search warrants at three residences related to the conspiracy and discovered numerous plastic bags containing several types of controlled substances. Among the drugs seized were more than 500 fentanyl pills, five pounds of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of fentanyl analogues, one kilogram of cocaine, and 28 grams of crack cocaine. Agents also seized five loaded handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and related ammunition. Drug paraphernalia such as blenders, scales, pill presses and cutting agents were also found. Additionally, more than $19,000 in cash and a motorcycle were also seized.

Co-defendant Murray Foster, 38, also of Cleveland, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug conspiracy and is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.

This case was investigated by the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force and the FBI Cleveland Division.

The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian for the Northern District of Ohio.