4 Arrested on Federal Drug Charges

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Four defendants were arrested yesterday morning on charges related to running a marijuana ring between Tuscon, Ariz. and Columbus, Ohio. Investigators have seized more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana and more than $1.2 million in cash in relation to the case.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Joseph P. Reagan, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs and other members of Central Ohio HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Drug Task Force announced the arrests that took place today. The HIDTA Task Force is operated as part of the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.

According to court documents, detectives with Columbus Police and the HIDTA Task Force began in investigation into a multi-kilogram marijuana drug ring in November 2015. Detectives learned large shipments were being imported into Columbus on a monthly basis by a male named “Lucky,” later identified as Damian Edwards, a Jamaican native.

While conducting surveillance, law enforcement officials saw defendants renting and driving large vehicles such as a U-Haul, Dodge Durango and Landstar Ranger semi-tractor trailer and meeting at locations near Polaris Shopping Place before following one another to a hotel nearby.

The defendants were each charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, a crime punishable by a range of 10 years up to life in prison, and a $10 million fine.

Initial court appearances for the arrestees are scheduled this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. They include:

Damian Edwards, 38, of Columbus

Hopie Dawn Edwards, 34, of Columbus

Theo Lavelle Smith, 33, of Columbus

German Alfredo White, 53, of Jacksonville, Fla.  

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the DEA and Columbus Division of Police, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Hunter and David Bosley, who are prosecuting the case.

Charges contained in a complaint are allegations. All defendants should be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.