Police searching for convicted drug offender in Ohio

OHIO — Authorities are searching for a Parma man who failed to appear for sentencing after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges.

According to Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County, Darryl Benson pleaded guilty in June to trafficking guns with a firearm and was scheduled to be sentenced, but never showed up. A warrant has since been issued for his arrest.

Benson is considered a major drug offender due to the large amount of methamphetamine and cocaine he was attempting to traffic. Authorities also noted that because he had a prior felony conviction, he was not permitted to possess firearms.

He is facing multiple charges, including two counts of trafficking with a firearm specification, three counts of drug possession with a firearm specification, trafficking as a major drug offender, having weapons while under disability, and possessing criminal tools.

Benson is described as 5’8” tall, weighing about 195 pounds, and was last known to be staying in the 6200 block of Gilbert Avenue in Parma.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. Tips leading to an arrest and conviction could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000. Callers may remain anonymous.