In a decisive move against drug trafficking within the state, two Akron, Ohio men have received significant prison sentences after pleading guilty to charges related to the conspiracy and distribution of deadly substances, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Andrew Corbin, 36, was handed a 15-year term in prison, while Calvin Roberts, 42, is facing a stint of over 19 years behind bars following a decision rendered by U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams. The case, reflecting an intensive period of criminal activity between April and August of 2023, exposes the harsh realities of the drug trade in the heart of Summit County.
Roberts, a repeat offender with previous heroin trafficking convictions in 2013 and 2020, pleaded guilty to not only the drug charges but also to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Having obtained significant quantities of narcotics from a local supplier, Roberts then sold to Corbin, his neighbor, creating a tightly woven circle of distribution. With Roberts's residence serving as a hub, he once admitted to earning up to $1,900 per pound for the substances, as cited in court documents.
Upon searching Roberts's home, law enforcement officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) seized a cache of drugs and firearms, including a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol and other paraphernalia. In a parallel raid at Corbin’s residence, officers found a Phoenix Arms 9mm pistol alongside scales and drug paraphernalia. Detailed in court records, the collective street value of the drugs exceeded $8,000, totaling about 17 ounces. According to an official release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio, the pair's activities centered on drug sales from their homes and involved a network of co-conspirators to distribute these drugs throughout the region.
Co-conspirators in the case have also faced the judicial system. Ernest Shropshire, 39, of Akron, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and is awaiting his May 22 sentence. Similarly, Phillip August, 57, also of Akron, has pleaded guilty to charges of drug conspiracy with his sentencing scheduled for May 20. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo has been spearheading the prosecution.
