STEUBENVILLE, OHIO (WTRF) A leader of a major fentanyl and cocaine distribution network in the Steubenville, Ohio, area has been sentenced to at least 16 years in prison.
Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Michelle Miller imposed the sentence following the individual’s conviction on six counts of drug possession involving significant quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.
The Herald-Star reports that Lavocni Brown, 41, formerly residing on Pennsylvania Avenue, must also forfeit several vehicles, including a 2014 Cadillac CTS, a 2018 Audi A6, and a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban, as well as $6,540 in cash.
These assets were identified as proceeds from the illegal drug operation.
Brown was indicted in December following raids conducted by the Jefferson County Drug Task Force.
Authorities seized over 18 pounds of cocaine and fentanyl from properties linked to Brown and two alleged associates, Lionel Robert Lindsey Jr., 52, of McDowell Avenue, and Cherie R. Nelson, 55, of Lawson Avenue.
Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin told The Herald-Star that Brown was classified as a major drug offender due to the large amount of drugs involved.
Following his incarceration, Brown will also serve two to five years of post-release supervision.
Investigators claim Brown managed his drug network from inside the Jefferson County Jail, where he was detained on unrelated misdemeanor charges during the raids.
Authorities allege he continued to instruct Lindsey and Nelson from behind bars.
Brown’s associates, Lionel Robert Lindsey Jr. and Cherie R. Nelson, 55, have not been sentenced at this time.
Hanlin praised Sgt. Rob Cook of the Steubenville Police Department and the Jefferson County Drug Task Force for their diligent investigative work, crediting them with ending Brown’s extensive and damaging drug trafficking operations in Jefferson County.
