Local people indicted on federal narcotics charges

YOUNGSTOWN — A federal grand jury in Cleveland has returned an indictment that charges six men and women with violating narcotics laws.

The investigation, code named “Operation Yard Dog,” took place over a two-year period and included the seizure of multiple quantities of cocaine in Youngstown, said William J. Edwards, acting U.S. attorney for the northern district of Ohio.

The Drug Enforcement Administration investigation revealed a drug organization based in Cleveland and Youngstown operated by Albert S. Parker, 38, of Cleveland and Benjamin Parker, 40, of Youngstown, Edwards said. Both Parkers were indicted in November 2007, pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

The organization received cocaine from sources in San Antonio, Texas, the government said. To date, 14 men and women have been indicted.

Those charged today from Youngstown are: Sean C. Ewing, 21; Samantha Brown, 29; Kendall Smith, 35; Keith Smith, 35; Ricki Hill, 53; and Bill A. Hall, 28.

The case was investigated by the DEA Youngstown Task Force, the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Cleveland; the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force; and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Linda H. Barr, an assistant U.S. attorney.