Omari Clifton, a 43-year-old resident of Garfield Heights, Ohio, was sentenced on April 1 to more than 24 years in prison for selling illegal drugs and possessing firearms as a felon. U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan handed down the sentence of 292 months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release.
Clifton was convicted of several charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, being a felon in possession of a firearm—with prior convictions for drug trafficking (2021 and 2018), drug possession (2015), and felonious assault (2013)—and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Court documents show that an investigation began in October 2024 when local authorities suspected crack cocaine trafficking in Northeast Ohio. Clifton was identified as part of this operation. In December 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home where they found distribution quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, scales, baggies, multiple cellphones, cash, two loaded handguns—a Smith & Wesson 9mm and a Glock .40 caliber—and ammunition.
The Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force and the FBI Cleveland Division Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Laundering Task Force conducted the investigation leading to Clifton’s arrest. Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address narcotics distribution and related gun crimes within Cuyahoga County.
