WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Twelve people from Ohio and West Virginia are named in two indictments alleging a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned both states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictments include a total of 37 counts of cocaine and heroin sales in Ohio County, sometimes near playgrounds, and properties used as drug distribution houses. Those named in the indictments are:
• Diego L. Hansard, also known as “Rico," age 32, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Kyuten J. Smith, also known as “Mitch," age 27, of Columbus, Ohio
• Martenez Strong-Edmonson, Jr., also known as “Bo," age 20, of Columbus, Ohio
• Andre Hager, also known as “Andyman," age 46, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Brandon Suel, also known as “Cuz," age 30, of Columbus, Ohio
• Joshua Ford, also known as “Fatboy," age 29, of Columbus, Ohio
• Michael L. Forrest, Jr., also known as “Flip," age 27, of Columbus, Ohio
• Thomas W. Seals, Jr., also known as “KB," age 25, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Tajuan Smith, also known as “Poe," age 19, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Tiffany Sells, age 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Michael J. Kennen, age 35, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Amanda R. Kennen, age 35, of Wheeling, West Virginia
The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
