A Youngstown, Ohio man pleaded guilty on Apr. 30 to charges related to a drug trafficking conspiracy that involved shipping fentanyl pills from Arizona to Ohio.
Alijaha Scott, age 25, admitted guilt to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, as well as interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Court documents state that between April 2022 and 2024, Scott and others shipped parcels containing fentanyl pills from Arizona for redistribution in the Youngstown area. On Aug. 2, 2023, Scott traveled from Ohio to Arizona, mailed a parcel back home containing drugs, then returned by air. Law enforcement stopped him on Interstate 80 after his return and found a vacuum-sealing machine in his suitcase. Authorities also reviewed cellphone records showing conversations about fentanyl pills with another conspirator.
Scott is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 4 before a federal district court judge who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors when determining the sentence.
The case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159. The task force brings together multiple government agencies with the goal of dismantling criminal cartels and transnational organizations operating within the United States and abroad.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney James P. Lewis for the Northern District of Ohio.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio promotes community safety and protects residents through outreach programs and victim services across northern Ohio according to its official website. The office serves as chief federal law enforcement authority under the Department of Justice according to its official website, enforcing federal criminal laws related to national security and public corruption while defending civil suits according to its official website. It covers forty northern counties in Ohio according to its official website and collaborates with schools and law enforcement agencies on community safety initiatives according to its official website. The office operates within federal law enforcement structures according to its official website with locations in Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, and Youngstown while engaging communities on issues including civil rights protection according to its official website.
