Ten indicted for bringing crystal methamphetamine to Ohio from California

Ten people were indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that brought large shipments of crystal methamphetamine to Ohio from California, law enforcement officials said.

Named in the 20-count indictment are: Hector Sabino Gonzales, 36, of Los Angeles; Carlos Elias, 33, and Lisa Elias, 36, both of Massillon; Jance Randolph, 33, of Canton; Michael Mack, 39, of Akron; Nikki Greenwood, 37, of New Philadelphia; Richard Stewart, 57, of Akron; Robert Willham, 45, of Medina; Steven Petit, 35, of Akron, and Wilmer Martinez, 25, of Painesville.

The Elias’s also face charges for distribution of heroin. Stewart is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Carlos Elias received large shipments of methamphetamine from Gonzales and others in California, usually via FedEx or UPS, from June 2015 through March 2016. Court documents detail shipments of methamphetamine to homes in Akron, New Philadelphia and Painesville, among others. The Elias’s sent cash via FedEx, UPS and the U.S. mail to Gonzales to pay for the drugs, according to the indictment.

The Elias’s provided methamphetamine to Martinez, Mack, Greenwood, Willham, Stewart, Randolph and others for distribution. Mack supplied methamphetamine to Petit for distribution, according to the indictment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Riley following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Stark County Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the police departments of Canton, Jackson Township, Alliance, Louisville and Ohio Adult Parole Authority.

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after a review of the federal sentencing guidelines and factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

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.