Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
A federal grand jury indicted Roderick Cross, Jr., also known as Chubb, of Elyria, Ohio, on March 18 for multiple drug trafficking offenses that allegedly led to a fatal overdose.
The case is significant because it involves the distribution of fentanyl-laced drugs resulting in death, highlighting ongoing concerns about opioid-related fatalities in the region.
According to the indictment, Cross, age 34, is charged with distributing cocaine base (crack), distributing cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment states that on March 15, 2025, Cross intentionally distributed several controlled substances to an individual identified as J.K., who later died from an overdose. Investigators linked the victim’s ingestion of cocaine and fentanyl to Cross. During searches at two locations associated with him, law enforcement seized firearms, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.
Cross has prior convictions for attempted murder and felonious assault in 2010; robbery in 2018; and drug trafficking and possession in 2025. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and the Elyria Police Department-Narcotics Unit with assistance from the FBI’s Lorain/Elyria Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth M. Crook and Stephanie A. Wojtasik are prosecuting the case.
If convicted on these charges, Cross faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years up to life in federal prison. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on factors such as his criminal record and role in the offense. Enhanced penalties apply due to both the victim’s death resulting from illegal drug distribution and his prior serious felony convictions.
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial where it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
