Two Arrested in Connection with Drug Distribution Investigation

Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the Northern District of Ohio, and Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, announce the arrest of two individuals and the execution of five search warrants this morning.

Jason Phillips and Joseph Phillips were arrested this morning on probable cause of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine based on an investigation initiated in November 2012. Federal charges will be filed tomorrow in federal court.

“These two individuals purchased numerous kilos of cocaine, broke those kilos into grams, and distributed to their customers throughout the Cleveland vicinity,” said Stephen D. Anthony. “The Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force will work tirelessly to target and eliminate the most significant threats to our communities.”

Five search warrants were executed this morning, to include four residences and a business.

“Today’s events are another example of the FBI and local law enforcement working together to make our community safer,” said Steven M. Dettelbach.

“These arrests are a testament to the great results achieved when law enforcement agencies join together for the common goal of making our streets safe. Through our cooperative partnerships we will continue to make a positive impact in our communities and thwart the sale of illegal drugs in our neighborhoods,” said Michael McGrath, Cleveland Chief of Police.

This case was investigated by the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force (NOLETF) composed of multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Drug Enforcement Agency, Internal Revenue Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Cleveland Division of Police, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, Euclid Police Department, Regional Transit Authority Police Department, Strongsville Police Department, University Heights Police Department, and Shaker Heights Police Department.

A special thanks to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their assistance in providing additional law enforcement personnel.

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

Any questions regarding this press release can be directed to SA Vicki D. Anderson at Vicki.anderson@ic.fbi.gov or 216-522-1400.