Eight people, most from Sandusky, were indicted in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to sell large amounts of heroin and cocaine in Sandusky.

Named in the 17-count indictment are: Siron Mills, 41; Patrick Brown, 38; Daryl Castile, 48; Timothy Johnson, 40; Jon Lippert, 38; Darrius Martin, 26, and Eugene Nicholson, 49, all of  Sandusky, as well as Gregory Boswell, 44, of Cleveland.

All eight defendants are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Martin is also charged with being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to the indictment:

Mills obtained cocaine from a supplier in Columbus and heroin from Castile. Brown obtained cocaine from Mills and Brown. Members of the conspiracy used several residences and vehicles in Sandusky and Cleveland to store, package and distribute narcotics in the Sandusky area.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit four firearms, ammunition and nearly $40,000 in cash seized as part of the investigation.

“These defendants were part of a group that brought deadly heroin and cocaine into Sandusky,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “These arrests have helped make our community safer.”

Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin said: “Keeping our communities safe from drug trafficking and violent crime is a top priority for the DEA.  We will continue to utilize our combined resources and work with our law enforcement partners to bring those threatening the safety of citizens in northern Ohio to justice.” 

“The Sandusky Police Department is appreciative of the partnership we have with the DEA and the US Attorney’s office in combating the influx of narcotics into our community,” said Sandusky Police Chief John Orzech. “We are cognizant of the resources needed to investigate criminal drug organizations.  The citizens of our city can be assured of the continued partnership with DEA, as we pursue the eradication of drugs in our community.”

If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal record, if any, the defendants’ 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.        

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sandusky Police Department. The case is being proseucted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Ashley A. Futrell.            

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.