Poland, Lowellville men indicted after federal drug sting

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A 34-year-old Poland man and a 36-year-old Lowellville man have been indicted on a charge of conspiracy to possess marijuana, and the prosecution is asking them to forfeit $19,500 in the case.

Randall S. Kushner, of Polo Boulevard, Poland, pleaded innocent at his arraignment Wednesday before Magistrate Timothy G. Welsh of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court. He was released on his own recognizance as recommended by the prosecution and defense.

The case is assigned to Judge Maureen A. Sweeney for further proceedings.

The Lowellville man, who was secretly indicted with Kushner by the county grand jury on May 17, has not yet been arrested, said Martin P. Desmond, an assistant county prosecutor.

Desmond said the men had $19,500 on them when they tried to buy marijuana from a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration informant on May 22, 2009. The indictment says the amount of marijuana was to have been between 11 and 44 pounds.

The Lowellville man was also charged in the same indictment with heroin and Oxycontin trafficking offenses authorities allege he committed during 2010.