Press Release
Toledo men charged after DEA seizes six kilograms of heroin
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio
Two Toledo men were criminally charged after DEA agents arrested them for distributing six kilograms of heroin.
Ricardo Rivera, 40, was arrested after DEA agents observed him take a black duffel bag from 1443 Western Avenue in Toledo and place it in the trunk of a vehicle. That car was stopped in North Baltimore, Ohio, and found to have six kilograms of heroin.
Rivera was charged with felonious assault in March 2017 following a shooting. The day of the drug transaction, Rivera was traveling with a security detail. One of the bodyguards wore a vest with the insignia and name “Omens,” a motorcycle gang from Detroit, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
Rivera was charged in federal court with distribution of heroin.
Andres Mendez, 25, was charged in state court for his role in the sale and transportation of the heroin.
“We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic the heroin and opioids that have killed so many of our neighbors and relatives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja. “Only through enforcement, combined with education and prevention efforts, can we hope to turn the tide on this epidemic.”
“This investigation demonstrates that the disruption of heroin trafficking and putting the brakes on the current opioid epidemic is DEA’s top priority,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Plancon. “The seizure of six kilograms of heroin in Toledo is significant, and not only puts a dent into heroin trafficking in the community, but also illustrates that DEA and our partners in law enforcement are working hard to slow the supply of this deadly drug into the region.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Freeman following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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 violations. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
A charge 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.
Contact
Mike Tobin
216.622.3651
michael.tobin@usdoj.gov
Updated May 19, 2017
Topic
Drug Trafficking
Component