Cleveland, OH

Federal charges allege drugs shipped from California to Ohio were trafficked from Cleveland tire shop

Published

2 years ago

March 3, 2024

Federal charges allege drugs shipped from California to Ohio were trafficked from Cleveland tire shop

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man and his associates, including his father, are accused of selling hundreds of pounds of marijuana, along with other drugs, out of an east side tire shop.

This week, an indictment unsealed in federal court revealed 11 people are charged for an alleged drug-dealing enterprise that included extortion, money laundering and wholesale marijuana transported from Los Angeles to Cleveland in suitcases.

The 32-page indictment names Jerry Baker, Jr. and DeShaun Martin as the primary subjects of an investigation by a Cleveland Police FBI task force between May 2021 and November 2022. Court documents say the pair’s communications intercepted by investigators show they were trafficking marijuana, heroin and fentanyl around Cleveland’s east side, including from In & Out Tires and Auto on Union Ave.

Both men are facing 14 federal counts, including drug trafficking, racketeering, money laundering and firearms charges.

A California man, Walter Sornoza, is also named in court documents as the supplier of the marijuana under his business, Empire Genetics. Records allege Sornoza’s associates would transport suitcases full of weed from LA to Cleveland and other cities.

Investigators raided Martin and Baker, Jr.’s homes, as well as In & Out Tire, in November 2022 and found drugs, money and weapons, according to court documents.

The indictment says Baker, Jr. purchased the tire shop for $114,000 in June 2022.

Thursday, News 5 approached In & Out Tire and Auto seeking comment. Jerry Baker, Sr. was there but declined to say anything on the record.

Baker, Sr. is charged with two counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and maintaining a drug premises.

News 5 also reached out to the defense attorneys listed on the indictment. Most declined to comment. Martin’s attorney responded and said his client denies all of the allegations and looks forward to his day in court.

The attorney representing Baker, Sr. said the defense teams are waiting to receive discovery in the case. No trial date had been set as of Thursday evening.

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Related Topics:Cleveland Featured heroin in and out tire and auto marijuana tire shop Trafficking

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Cleveland, OH

Woman shot and killed in Cleveland’s Union-Miles neighborhood

Published

4 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Woman shot and killed in Cleveland’s Union-Miles neighborhood

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A 25-year-old woman was shot and killed Friday on Cleveland’s East Side.

The shooting happened around 730 P.M. in the area of East 136th and Harvard Avenue.

Cleveland Police is investigating the incident.

One person has been detained, and a gun was recovered, according to police.

Police said there are no other details to share at this time.

Check back with 19 News for the latest information on this story.

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Cleveland, OH

Joseph M. Plavac Obituary – Westlake, OH (1930-2026)

Published

16 hours ago

March 7, 2026

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Joseph M. Plavac

OBITUARY

Joseph M. Plavac, age 95, of Westlake, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026. He was born September 3, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio.Beloved husband of Helen (deceased); dear father of Rev. Timothy Plavac and Andrea Boerger (Kenneth); grandfather of Zachary (Alicia); great grandfather of Kenny; brother of Donald (deceased)(Jean), Ralph(deceased)(Joann), Sister Ann Barbara and the deceased: George (Mary), Nicholas, Milan (Anna Mae) and Mary Dobos (Andy); son of the deceased: Nicholas and Mary.Joe’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all of Joe’s caregivers over the past few years, including the staff of Emerald Village in North Olmsted, the nurses and staff of Concord Reserve in Westlake, who took such loving care of him and the staff of Hospice of the Western Reserve, especially Cindy and Erin. Their kindness and compassion always brought a smile to his face.Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joseph at The DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home of Willoughby Hills, 28890 Chardon Rd.(between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91), Sunday, March 8, from 3-6pm. Funeral Mass, Monday, 11am at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, 9114 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor. Additional calling hours will take place at church from 10-11am before Mass. Interment All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72700, Cleveland, OH 44192 or School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King 13900 Main St., Lemont, IL 60439. For a detailed history of Joe’s life, please visit golubfuneralhome.com.

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Cleveland, OH

Ohio gas prices spike as oil prices soar

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Ohio gas prices spike as oil prices soar

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas has gone up by 34 cents since Monday.

The continued uncertainty over the new war with Iran is driving crude oil prices sharply higher.

At the time this article was published, oil is trading at $90 witch is up 11% just today.

In Cleveland, gas has gone from $2.87 over this past weekend to $3.28 today according to the price tracking website Gasbuddy.com.

AAA has put out reminders on how to maximize you gas mileage:

Slow down and drive the speed limit. On the highway, aerodynamic drag causes fuel economy to drop off significantly as speeds increase above 50 mph.
Reduce trips and lighten your load. Limit the amount of cargo in your vehicle when possible.
Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard acceleration. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption. Accelerate smoothly with light to moderate throttle.
Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine. Even in winter, idling, and warming up an engine are unnecessary and wastes fuel.
Look ahead. When approaching a red light or stop sign, let off the gas early and allow the vehicle to coast down to a slower speed until it is time to brake.
Use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on wet roads because a loss of vehicle control could result.
Take advantage of fuel savings programs. AAA members have access to savings when filling up at Shell gas stations. More information is available at AAA.com/Shell.