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37 individuals indicted in Northeast Ohio drug ring, more than 6 kilograms of drugs seized

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37 individuals indicted in Northeast Ohio drug ring, more than 6 kilograms of drugs seized


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that the Cuyahoga County grand jury returned an indictment of 37 individuals for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization.

The drug trafficking organization is also linked to three overdose deaths.

The investigation led to over six kilograms of drugs seized, over $240,000 in cash was seized and 15 firearms were taken, which some of the firearms were reported stolen, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office.

On Aug. 16, 2024, John Lee, 56, was found dead in a home from a suspended overdose near E 71st Street and Indiana Avenue in Cleveland.

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The Cleveland Division of Police Narcotics Unit investigated and learned the supplied narcotics were linked to the drug trafficking organization, the release said.

On Sept. 17, 2024, Angela Staehr, 41, was found dead in a home from a suspected overdose near Sackett Avenue and Rhodes Court in Cleveland.

The CPD Narcotics Unit also investigated and found the supplied narcotics were also linked to the same drug trafficking organization that supplied Lee.

According to the press release, the investigation was conducted by the CPD Narcotics Unit and was assisted by the Euclid Police Department, the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the U.S. Marshals.

Following the investigation, 37 individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization’s supply chain were identified.

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The release said the drug trafficking organization was utilizing multiple locations to store, manufacture and distribute narcotics.

Throughout the investigation, search warrants were conducted in 12 locations that resulted in the seizure over over six kilograms of fentanyl, xylazine, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Additionally, resulting in the seizures of over $240,000 in cash and the 15 firearms, several of which were reported stolen.

The investigation also linked a third previously unsolved overdose case that happened in 2022, the over dose death of Amanda Garrison, 26, in Cleveland, the release said.

“This indictment reflects the strong collaboration between the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office and our law enforcement partners. By dismantling this organization, we are removing dangerous individuals, lethal narcotics, and stolen firearms from our community. These arrests will save lives throughout northeast Ohio,” Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley said.

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On Nov. 25, 2025, the 37 individuals were indicted on a total of 180 charges, some of which included:

  • Engaging in a Pattern of Corrupt Activity
  • Involuntary Manslaughter
  • Aggravated Drug Funding
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Drug Possession
  • Illegal Manufacturing
  • Having Weapons Under Disability

On Saturday, an arrest operation was held by the U.S. Marshals Service and CPD.

The individuals will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date, the press release said.



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Cleveland, OH

Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick

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Ohio Supreme Court makes ruling in murder of Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The Ohio Supreme Court made a ruling Friday in connection with the murder conviction of the driver that killed Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick.

According to the Ohio Supreme Court, the trial court had sufficient evidence to convict Leander Bissell of felony murder for speeding through an accident scene.

Cleveland Firefighter Tetrick, 51, was killed on Nov. 19, 2022.

Bissell struck Firefighter Tetrick on I-90 East near Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and then fled the scene. Bissell was arrested later that evening.

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Firefighter Tetrick was assisting with a rollover crash, when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at University Hospitals.

In July 2023, Bissell had a bench trial in front of Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy McCormick and was found guilty on all charges, including, murder.

In August 2023, Bissell was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 16 years.

Leander Bissell sentencing on Aug. 15, 2023

In November 2024, the Eighth District Court of Appeals overturned the murder conviction, finding the State failed to prove that Bissell acted “knowingly.”

The court of appeals found Bissell guilty of involuntary manslaughter, which would impose a sentence of only up to 11 years.

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Leander Bissell
Leander Bissell(Source: Cuyahoga County Jail)

The state then appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court.

“This is a victory for Firefighter Tetrick’s family and Ohio’s first responders. Firefighter Tetrick died while serving the public after Leander Bissell sped through a clearly marked accident scene, traversed the berm striking Tetrick, and fled. As the Ohio Supreme Court states, ‘The Eighth District’s reasoning is wrong.’ Thankfully, their decision today corrected that wrong,” said Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.

Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick
Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick(Source: City of Cleveland)

Thousands of people attended Firefighter Tetrick’s funeral on Nov. 26, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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ANN S. ASHER Obituary May 28, 2026 – Ripepi Funeral Home

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ANN S. ASHER Obituary May 28, 2026 – Ripepi Funeral Home


Ann S. Asher (nee Shaia), age 88, of Orange Village, OH, passed away peacefully in her home on May 28, 2026. Cherished wife of Tony Asher for 65 years; loving and devoted mother of Michelle Asher (Steve Timlin), Edward Asher (Rebecca), Suzanne Broadbent (Daniel), T.J. Asher (Cindy), and Jamey Asher (Wendy); dearest grandmother (Sittee) of Anthony Asher, Riley Asher (Richard Markiewicz), Eddie Asher (Chi), Taylor Lindquist (Ryan), Shelby Broadbent, Noah Broadbent, Zack Asher, Madison Woods (Dave), Tony A. Asher, Michael Asher, Ralph Asher, and Anna Rose Asher; great-grandmother of River, Jasper and Eliza Markiewicz; daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Shaia; sister of Dr. Fred Shaia (Rose), Victor Shaia (Cheryl), and Diane Fistek (Tom); beloved aunt, great-aunt and dear friend of many. Ann was a longtime member of The Immaculate Conception Sodality and the Lebanese Syrian Junior Women’s League.

Known as Mom, Sittee, Aunt Ann, and my Annie, her family was her world—and she was the heart of theirs. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Maron Church and never missed a weekly service. She attended all of her grandkids’ games, performances, and school events, always there with a smile and unwavering love and support. A good day for Ann was being with her husband, family, and friends. Her presence was a constant source of warmth and encouragement, and her absence will be deeply felt. She will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Maron Church, 7800 Brookside Rd., Independence, OH 44131.

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Maron Church, 1245 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11 am. Please meet at the church. Interment private. Family and friends received at The Ripepi Funeral Home, 5762 Pearl Rd (at Snow Rd.) on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Prayers of Incense at 5 p.m.

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FBI Cleveland Focuses on Missing Northern Ohio Children During Outreach Event

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FBI Cleveland Focuses on Missing Northern Ohio Children During Outreach Event


Members of the community are invited to learn about child safety

[Cleveland, OH]  FBI Cleveland, together with the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Cleveland Division of Police, Bellefaire JCB, and the Canopy Child Advocacy Center, will staff a community table to spread awareness of missing children in our area, and share child safety information with the community.

Who                      FBI Cleveland, Law Enforcement and Community Partners 

What                     National Missing Children’s Day

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When                    Thursday, May 28, 2026

Where                  Westown Square (10820 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland)

Time                     3:00pm – 5:00pm

While National Missing Children’s Day was May 25, the FBI wants to help the public understand that every day, children either go missing or remain missing and someone either knows something about a disappearance or knows of someone who has information to bring that child home. It is important to know that the FBI will look at all tips and leads and people who submit information can do so anonymously.

FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Joshua DelManzo

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“When the FBI receives a call that a child has gone missing, we know the clock is ticking. Our mission is to identify, locate, and recover the child victim. That is why our community, business, and law enforcement partnerships are a vital component to the work we do.  Of those, the partnership with the community is paramount in helping us locate missing children. Somebody knows something, and it is important to step-up and share information; more so, know that one’s identity can remain anonymous when sharing tips or leads, no matter how old the information is or how insignificant you think your information might be.”

 

During the event, the FBI and its partners will highlight posters of the many children who are still missing and provide important safety information for parents, guardians, and caregivers to keep children safe. The FBI Evidence Response Team truck will be on site to show some of the tools used in aiding a child recovery and law enforcement partners will have child safe kits and activity books to share. 

Many don’t realize that a child can be “missing” when the child has run away, is lost, or otherwise abducted– not only by a stranger, but also by a family member, for example, a non-custodial parent or in some cases, a family member who poses an extreme risk to the child, such as a registered sex offender.

How the FBI is involved
The FBI was given jurisdiction under the “Lindbergh Law” in 1932 to immediately  investigate any reported mysterious disappearance or kidnapping involving a child of “tender age”—usually 12 or younger. However, the FBI goes one step further:

• When any child is missing under the age of 18, the FBI can become involved as an assisting agency to the local police department.

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•  There does not have to be a ransom demand

• The child does NOT have to cross the state lines or be missing for 24 hours.
Research indicates the quicker the reporting of the mysterious disappearance or abduction the more likely the successful outcome in returning the child unharmed.

To report a missing child: 
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children                      1-800-THE LOST
FBI                                                                                                                         1-800-CALL FBI(1-800-225-5324)



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