Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
A Cleveland man was indicted on Mar. 27 for multiple drug trafficking violations following a nearly year-long federal investigation.
The case involves Marcus Hopper, age 57, who faces charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine base (crack). Authorities say the indictment follows an extensive investigation that targeted large-scale drug operations in Greater Cleveland.
Court documents state that federal agents executed search warrants in February at two residences—one on Edgehill Road in Cleveland Heights and another on Penrose Avenue in East Cleveland. These locations were suspected of being used to facilitate significant drug distribution activities. During the searches, agents seized more than 15 pounds of MDMA, nearly 12 pounds of cocaine, 21 grams of crack cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, bulk marijuana quantities, over $211,000 in cash, a brick press for cocaine production and several smaller presses.
If convicted, Hopper’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors such as his prior criminal record (if any), his role in the offense and other relevant circumstances unique to this case. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation resulting in this indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
Officials emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
