On December 11, 2018 at approximately 1:50 p.m., Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a 2005 black Chevrolet Avalanche traveling on State Route 309 eastbound in Lima, Ohio, for a speeding violation. A police K-9 trained in narcotics detection was used to conduct a free air sniff around the vehicle. The K-9 did alert positively to the odor of narcotics coming from inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted by the officers on scene, over 3 kilograms of cocaine and oxycodone tablets were found, some packaged for distribution.

Torrece Troutman, age 42, identified as the driver, and Derek Maxie, age 44, identified as the passenger, both from Marion, Ohio, were immediately placed into custody by law enforcement.

Troutman and Maxie have been charged in federal court with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and with conspiracy.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Mansfield Resident Agency, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Marion Metrich (MARMET) Drug Task Force—which includes the Marion City Police Department, Marion County Sheriffs Office, and Ohio State Highway Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorneys Office Northern District of Ohio.

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.