Akron resident Maurice A. Stewart, 31, faced U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz and received a sentence of 10 years in prison for his part in a meth trafficking operation, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice. Stewart's sentence, following his October guilty plea, includes charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and culminates with a three-year supervised release.
The investigation that brought down Stewart's operation began in October 2022 when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), coupled with the Portage County Sheriff’s Office Drug and Violent Crime Unit, looked into the drug and firearms activities in the Akron area and it was discovered that Stewart along with other individuals were neck deep in the business of bringing in large quantities of meth for distribution across Northeast Ohio. When agents searched Stewart's West Long Street home, they came across a cache consisting of methamphetamine, fentanyl, firearms, and other incriminating items. Two other locations linked to his accomplices on East Archwood Avenue and Tonawanda Avenue were also raided, yielding an additional assortment of illicit materials.
The related prosecutions have already seen Kevin R. McQuain, 46, and Kenneth L. Pitman, 54, both of Akron, begin serving their federal sentences for similar charges. McQuain's case, where he received an 100-month sentence, also included possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while Pitman's 90-month term accounted for additional charges, given his prior status as a felon. He was found illegally in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo oversaw the prosecution efforts, marking a significant wrap-up to an extensive operation against drug trafficking in the community, evidence of the judiciary's commitment to stemming the tide of controlled substances that continue to challenge the health and safety of cities like Akron, stated the DOJ report.
