OHIO – An Akron man was indicted in federal court for his role in a conspiracy in which he was to receive a shipment of more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as firearms and marijuana charges.
Patrick Anthony Foster, 48, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The six-count indictment was unsealed today upon Foster’s arrest.
Foster was stopped for a suspected traffic violation on June 14 in Akron and was found to have 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 23 pounds of marijuana, cash and a loaded 9 mm pistol, according to court documents.
A subsequent search of his home at 27 East Emerling Avenue in Akron resulted in the discovery of approximately 40 pounds of marijuana and a Norinco SKS 7.62 mm rifle and ammunition, according to court documents.
Foster is prohibited from having firearms because of a previous drug conviction, according to court documents.
“This defendant is alleged to have been waiting on a shipment of more than 80 pounds of methamphetamine, while also in possession of firearms and over 60 pounds of marijuana,” U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said. “Unfortunately, we see time and time again that drug dealers use firearms in the course of their trafficking activities. Law enforcement from across the country did an outstanding job working together to take this defendant and these dangerous drugs off the street.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Akron Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Springfield Police Department, New Franklin Police Department, Stow Police Department, University of Akron Police Department, Copley Police Department, Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, Barberton Police Department, Reminderville Police Department, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office in Oklahoma and the DEA’s Oklahoma City office. It is being prosecuted by by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Joyce.
If convicted, the defendants’ sentences will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendants’ prior criminal records, if any, the defendants’ role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
