Detroit man indicted in federal court on charges involving firearms, cocaine, oxycodone and methamphetamine

A Detroit man was indicted in federal court in Cleveland on drug and firearms charges.

Gavin S. Smith, 36, was indicted on one count each of: distribution of oxycodone; distribution of cocaine; possession with intent to distribute oxycodone; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; being a felon in possession of a firearm and use of a firearm in relation to drug trafficking.

Smith possessed oxycodone and methamphetamine on August 1, 2019, as well as a Beretta .25-caliber pistol and ammunition. He was prohibited from having the firearm because of previous convictions for robbery and assault, according to the indictment.

Smith sold oxycodone on June 26, 2019, and cocaine on July 1, 2019, according to the indictment.

This case was investigated as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), which seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas and to identify wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. Lorain County was selected as a pilot site for Operation S.O.S. The DEA, FBI, Lorain Police Department, Elyria Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force participate in the program. 

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 records, if any, the defendant’s 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 Elyria Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kolansky.

An indictment is only a charge and 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.