Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Omari Clifton, a 43-year-old resident of Garfield Heights, Ohio, was sentenced on Apr. 1 to more than 24 years in prison for multiple drug and firearm offenses. U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan handed down the sentence of 292 months following Clifton's conviction on charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address illegal narcotics distribution and related gun crimes in Cuyahoga County and surrounding areas.
According to court documents, authorities began investigating suspected crack cocaine trafficking in Northeast Ohio in October 2024. Clifton was identified as part of this investigation. In December 2024, officers executed a search warrant at his Garfield Heights residence where they seized fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, scales, baggies, multiple cellphones, cash, two loaded handguns—a Smith & Wesson 9mm and a Glock .40 caliber—and ammunition.
Clifton’s criminal history includes previous convictions for drug trafficking (2021 and 2018), drug possession (2015), and felonious assault (2013). He will also serve four years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
The investigation was conducted by the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force together with the FBI Cleveland Division Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian for the Northern District of Ohio.
