Ohio man sentenced 15 to 25 years for meth, cocaine distribution

OHIO — The leader of a local drug trafficking organization has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine.

Adrian White, 40, of Dayton, admitted in U.S. District Court on Friday to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute the drugs.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison.

According to court documents, White’s organization distributed at least 15 kilograms of methamphetamine and 500 grams of cocaine between February 2023 and January 2024.

Investigators observed White transporting shoe boxes to and from a known stash house on Crestmore Avenue in Dayton. Traffic stops of White and others revealed narcotics hidden in orange Nike shoe boxes.

During a January 2024 stop for a window tint violation, officers discovered more than two kilograms of methamphetamine in one of the boxes and 60 grams of cocaine in White’s vehicle.

A subsequent federal search warrant uncovered additional drugs and weapons at the stash house and White’s residence on Valerie Arms Drive.

Law enforcement seized more than three kilograms of methamphetamine and 72 grams of cocaine, found in various locations including a safe, a kitchen cabinet, and an HVAC vent.

Officers also recovered an AK-47-style rifle near White’s front door and $20,500 in cash.

White was indicted in January 2024, along with co-defendants Sonequa McGraw, 37, of Huber Heights, and William Bates, 36, of Trotwood.

Both McGraw and Bates have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

The case was investigated by federal and local law enforcement agencies. Sentencing for White is expected in the coming months.