Nine people, most from Toledo, indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl in Northwest Ohio

Nine people, most from Toledo, were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy to traffic large amounts of heroin, cocaine and fentanyl in Northwest Ohio.

Named in the eight-count indictment are: Pedro Negrin, 59, Santino Montoya, 26, Aurelio Seoane-Armada, 59, Jamel Gaines, 30, Corey Goings, 48, Nathaniel Houle, Jr., 22, Korey Parker, 29, all of Toledo; Francisco Cabrera-Hernandez, 35, of Casa Grande, Arizona; and Luis Perez-Rodriguez, 31, of Phoenix.

All nine defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine and 400 grams of fentanyl.

Goings is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, for allegedly having a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol despite a previous drug conviction. Various defendants are charged with additional drug counts, including Cabrera-Hernandez and Perez-Rodriguez being charged with possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine.

Prosecutors are seeking to forfeit more than $407,000 seized as part of the investigation, as well as a firearm and two vehicles installed with after-market traps.

“These defendants trafficked in large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, drugs that have taken so many lives and destroyed so many families in Ohio,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who profit from this drug crisis.”

“These individuals brought danger and violence to our communities through their illegal drug dealing behavior,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith. “Collaborative law enforcement efforts will continue daily to combat the for profit distribution of illicit life robbing narcotics.”

Toledo Police Chief George Kral said: “Here is yet another example of exemplary police work and collaborations between local, state, and federal law enforcement. As a result of this investigation, ten individuals, mostly from Toledo, were arrested and a substantial amount of dangerous drugs are off of our streets. Toledo is a safer community with the individuals behind bars. I look forward to continuing our long standing relationship with our federal partners."

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.       

The investigating agencies in this case are the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Matthew D. Simko.           

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.