Maurice A. Stewart, 31, of Akron, Ohio, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in Summit County and nearby areas. U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz handed down the sentence after Stewart pleaded guilty in October to charges that included conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Following his prison term, Stewart will serve three years under supervised release.
Court records show that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating suspected drug and firearms trafficking in the Akron area in October 2022. Authorities identified Stewart and two other individuals as participants in a scheme to acquire large quantities of methamphetamine for resale across Northeast Ohio. During a search at Stewart’s residence on West Long Street in Akron, agents seized over 379 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 88 grams of fentanyl, four cellphones, and a Glock Model 19 Gen 5 semiautomatic pistol. Additional searches at locations on East Archwood Avenue and Tonawanda Avenue linked to co-conspirators resulted in further seizures of drugs, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and cellphones.
Two co-defendants from Akron are already serving federal sentences after pleading guilty to similar charges. Kevin R. McQuain, 46, received a sentence of more than eight years for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Kenneth L. Pitman, 54, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to conspiracy as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo prosecuted the case.
