Jerone Tate, a 38-year-old resident of Westlake, Ohio, was sentenced on April 1 to more than 24 years in prison for leading a drug trafficking organization that distributed controlled substances throughout Northeast Ohio.
The sentencing follows a multi-year federal investigation into large-scale drug distribution activities in the region. Authorities say the case highlights ongoing efforts to address the impact of illegal drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine on local communities.
Tate pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute both fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Judge John R. Adams imposed a sentence of 292 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, federal agents began investigating Tate’s organization in 2021. The investigation uncovered evidence that Tate coordinated the distribution of significant quantities of narcotics across Northeast Ohio. Law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations including a Cleveland residence, Tate’s home in Avon Lake, and a restaurant he owned in Richmond Heights. During these searches, agents seized nearly two kilograms of cocaine, close to half a kilogram of fentanyl, more than one hundred grams of fentanyl analogue, nineteen kilograms of marijuana, over $63,000 in cash as well as equipment used for processing drugs.
Authorities also reported that Terrill Colbert, age 40 from Cleveland and identified as a co-conspirator with Tate, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the same organization and is currently serving a ten-year prison sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian prosecuted it for the Northern District of Ohio.
