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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

MLB Best Bets Today: Top Expert Picks and Predictions for Sunday 4/26/26

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MLB Best Bets Today: Top Expert Picks and Predictions for Sunday 4/26/26


Get the best MLB picks today, including top player props and expert predictions from DraftKings analysts for Sunday’s games.

Published Apr 26, 2026 11:38 AM EDT

CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 22: Yordan Alvarez #44 of the Houston Astros celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning during the game between the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Grace Hoppel/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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City of Cleveland files motion to dismiss Kucinich appeal

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City of Cleveland files motion to dismiss Kucinich appeal


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The city of Cleveland filed a motion to dismiss former Mayor Dennis Kucinich’s appeal Saturday.

In an April 15 letter, the city previously promised that if Kucinich chose to file a lawsuit with representation, it would officially file for dismissal.

In the motion, the city asked the Eighth District Court of Appeals to dismiss, saying the lawsuit filed by Kucinich cannot stand because state law prohibits nonattorneys from filing lawsuits on behalf of taxpayers.

Kucinich’s lawsuit was dismissed last month, which brought on this appeal the city is pushing back on.

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The city and the Browns reached an agreement last October allowing the team to move to Brook Park.

Kucinich had initially filed a lawsuit against the city of Cleveland and the Browns in 2025, saying they both failed to legally enforce the lease to keep the Browns in Cleveland.

The city wants the appeals court to freeze the briefing until the court decides whether Kucinich has the legal standings to proceed with his suit.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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Several people injured in multi-vehicle crash on Cleveland’s West Side

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Several people injured in multi-vehicle crash on Cleveland’s West Side


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A multiple-vehicle crash closed the intersection of West 150th and Lorain Avenue in Cleveland for hours Friday.

Cleveland police reported Saturday the cause of the crash was the driver of a stolen 2017 GMC Acadia speeding westbound on Lorain Avenue.

When 22-year-old driver of the stolen car approached Warren Road and West 150 intersection it changed lines and stroked two vehicles.

One of the two vehicles pushed into a fourth vehicle and the fourth vehicle traveled into the eastbound lane striking the fifth vehicle.

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Witness Joe Barto, whose car was involved said he heard the impact and then watched vehicles lose control. “We heard car squealing, we heard sheet metal, cars banging off each other,” Barto said. “The next thing you know, cars are just spinning.”

The crash happened about 5:20 p.m., during the evening commute, leaving several people trying to understand what led up to it. Barto said he immediately ran to help. “I just got out of the car and started running over to the cars that were trying to get people out of cars,” Barto said. “I think I was just in shock.”

One person was reported trapped in a vehicle, but that patient had been removed before firefighters arrived, according to the Cleveland Fire Department.

As debris remained scattered across the roadway, another witness, Abdul Binsunni said he claimed to pull that person trapped from a vehicle before firefighters arrived. “I made sure to proceed to pull out the lady outside of this car right here.”

One man who asked not to be identified told 19 News he believes his car was stolen and ended up involved in the crash. Another bystander said her car was hit by what she believes was that stolen vehicle near West 131st Street. Those claims have not been confirmed by police.

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Jim Missirlis said the aftermath was hard to take in. “Looking at the aftermath, looking at all the debris over here, it’s pretty sad,” Missirlis said.

Cleveland Fire and EMS officials say additional resources were requested to the scene. EMS has transported up to five patients to the Fairview Emergency Department, according to Cleveland Fire.

Officials say that the intersection reopened around 9:30 p.m.

As of Saturday, the suspect remains at the hospital but has been placed under arrest for aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault and grand theft of motor vehicle.

One of the drivers in the crash was a 54-year-old man and he transported to the hospital before being pronounced dead.

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Once the suspect is medically cleared, he will be transported to the Cuyahoga County jail.

An investigation is being conducted by the Accident Investigative Unit.

Copyright 2026 WOIO. All rights reserved.



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