A Cleveland man was indicted on March 27 following a nearly year-long federal investigation into alleged drug trafficking activities.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address large-scale drug distribution in the Greater Cleveland area.
Marcus Hopper, age 57, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and cocaine base (crack) after a grand jury returned an indictment. According to court documents, federal agents executed search warrants in February at two residences—one on Edgehill Road in Cleveland Heights and another on Penrose Avenue in East Cleveland—that were suspected of being used for significant drug operations.
During the searches, authorities seized more than 15 pounds of MDMA, nearly 12 pounds of cocaine, 21 grams of crack cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, bulk amounts of marijuana, over $211,000 in cash, a cocaine brick press and several smaller presses. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the indictment. Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
If convicted, Hopper’s sentence will be determined by the court based on factors unique to his case such as any prior criminal record and his role in the offense. Authorities emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
