SANDUSKY, Ohio (WTVG) - The Department of Justice has announced that 20 members of a drug trafficking ring operating in Sandusky are now facing charges.

According to the DOJ, the individuals were taken into custody in a series of coordinated arrests during an investigation in the spring and summer of this year.

In addition to the arrests, agents seized large quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, cocaine, methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills masquerading as legitimate prescription medication. Cash proceeds and illegally possessed firearms were also seized.

The following individuals were charged in a 63-count superseding indictment:

• Danny Lee Johnson, aka, Uncle Danny, 39, of Elyria
• Shon Alexander, aka Lil Man, 33, of Sandusky
• Mark Milten Castile, aka Castile Jr., aka Little Mark, 27, of Sandusky
• Mark Milton Castile, aka Castile Sr., aka MC, 50, of Sandusky
• Markier Castile, 22, of Sandusky
• Johnny Diego Desounyez Cherry, 41, of Sandusky
• Marquez Clinton, aka, Quez, 38, of Sandusky
• Alycia Cross, 33, of Sandusky
• Anricco Cunningham, aka, Suave, 40, of Sandusky
• Marvin Cunningham, aka Marv, 62, of Sandusky
• Brian Giving, aka, Hurt, 43, of Sandusky
• Brent Hanson, 25, of Sandusky
• Salei Harris, aka Bernard, 38, of Sandusky
• Eric Irby, 30, of Sandusky
• Bryonia Myers, 35, of Sandusky
• Tremar Pearson, 24, of Sandusky
• Jarvis Pool, aka Shorty J, 42, of Sandusky
• Kendrick Scott, aka Cheese, 51, of Sandusky
• Dashour Smith, 28, of Sandusky
• Dean Swain, aka Dino, 42, of Sandusky

The indictment alleges that from April 2023 to August 2024, “the defendants did unlawfully, knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with each other to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of cocaine, cocaine base (crack), fentanyl, and methamphetamine, all Schedule II controlled substances, and fentanyl analogues, a Schedule I controlled substance.”

According to court documents, Johnson arranged for bulk cocaine to be delivered to purchasers in Sandusky while using a network of associates and stash houses to store, break-down, package and redistribute narcotics. Some associates received the bulk cocaine and fentanyl pills, which appeared as prescription Oxycodone pills, and repackaged them for distribution. Others transported, or assisted in transporting, cocaine, drug proceeds and firearms.

Court documents also allege one associate even maintained an unlicensed gambling house at a residence in Sandusky, which was used as a distribution center.

“This was a highly organized, poly-drug distribution organization, supplying our communities with bulk quantities of controlled substances including fentanyl in both powder and counterfeit pill form,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Orville Greene. “These quantities had the potential to kill hundreds of thousands of people. Today’s enforcement action demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”

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