A nine-count federal indictment was filed charging a Marion man with selling heroin and fentanyl that resulted in an overdose death, said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Agent in Charge Joseph P. Reagan.
Eric L. Creagh, 32, was indicted on one count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl that resulted in death, three counts of distribution of heroin and fentanyl, three counts of distribution of heroin and two counts of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Creagh is accused of selling heroin and fentanyl on May 22 that resulted in the death of Christopher Wolford. He is also charged with possessing more than a kilogram of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, as well as selling heroin and fentanyl at various dates in May and June 2015. Creagh is also accused of possessing a Ruger.380-caliber pistol and a Heritage.22-caliber revolver, despite a 2008 conviction for felonious assault.
“This defendant is charged with selling the blue-drop heroin that caused so many overdoses, heartache and even death," Dettelbach said. “The DEA is to be commended for working with the local police to protect the citizens of Marion. This case should serve as yet another reminder that heroin and fentanyl should be avoided. Trying heroin is not only a mistake -- it may be the last mistake a person ever makes."
Reagan said: “We have made it a priority to investigate the distribution of narcotics that result in death. Today’s charges send a strong message to all narcotic traffickers that they will face real consequences, for the harm that they inflict on the user and society. The level of cooperation by all of the law enforcement agencies in this investigation has been extraordinary and serves as a model for the future."
According to a federal affidavit filed in the case earlier this year:
A confidential informant purchased more than 20 grams of "blue drop" heroin from Creagh on five separate occasions between May 30 and June 8.
Members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Marion Metro Drug Enforcement Unit (MARMET), the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at two homes owned by Creagh on June 10. Creagh was arrested and law enforcement agents recovered two firearms, approximately one kilogram of a heroin/fentantyl mixture, blue fabric dye, a face mask with a filtration system and rubber gloves, two hydraulic presses and approximately $45,000 in cash.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Freeman and Thomas Weldon following an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, MARMET, the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
