Ten arrested, 365 pounds of pot seized during three drug investigations

Описание: CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Three different drug investigations have led to the arrest of ten people in two days by the Sheriff's Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU).

Agents also seized 365 pounds of marijuana, nearly a pound of cocaine and a small amount of heroin. In one investigation RENU agents arrested Austin Hartzel for having six pounds of what they called "high-grade marijuana." Investigators determined Hartzel was getting marijuana delivered from the West Coast through priority mail.

They found another 181 pounds of marijuana during a search of his Ludlow Avenue home and two Walnut Hills locations. Investigators said the marijuana was worth about $890,000. They also seized a gun and a shotgun.

In the second investigation, RENU agents stopped a conversion van on I-75 at Hopple on Thanksgiving day. A police dug alert agents to search the van. They found 159 pounds of marijuana. Investigators learned that the four people in the van had driven to Texas to pick up the marijuana, then drove it back.

Agents believe the marijuana was worth about $381,000. Brandon Johnson, 31, Eric Chapman, 25, Ashley Stewart, 23, and Tacara Randolph, 21, were arrested. An officer spoke during their arraignments. He said Stewart and Randolph were just recruited as drivers. Randolph also told the court she was three months pregnant. The judge gave them lower bonds than she gave Johnson and Chapman.

A four-month investigation led to the arrests of another four people after agents searched two locations, including one in Woodlawn. Sean Powers, 49, Sean Mosley, 28, Derius Hemphill, 28 and Aaron Kelly were all arrested. RENU agents found nearly a pound of cocaine, a small amount of heroin, about 13 pounds of marijuana and three guns. They also seized four vehicles and cash.


Abdula Obied was arrested during a traffic stop on Winton Road. According to court papers, he tried to get away from police but they arrested him on drug trafficking and possession charges. In court, the prosecutor's office said Obied was already on probation in California for similar crimes and had previously had a lot of money seized at an airport. He's locked up on $100,000 bond.