Three men from Ohio have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation that distributed fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine across Greater Cleveland. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent after the defendants pleaded guilty to charges related to the conspiracy.
Chantez Moore, 45, of Westlake, received a sentence of 276 months (23 years) in prison with an additional 10 years of supervised release. Moore pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Kevin Lanier, 42, of Highland Heights, was sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in prison and will also serve 10 years of supervised release. He admitted guilt for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl.
James C. Lang, 36, of Cleveland, received a sentence of 120 months (10 years) in prison along with five years of supervised release. Lang pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
All three men had prior convictions for drug offenses which made them eligible for enhanced penalties as career offenders.
The investigation began in early 2023 when federal agents started tracking significant drug activity in the Cleveland area linked to Mexican drug cartels. According to court documents covering February 2023 through May 2024, authorities observed Moore, Lanier, and Lang conducting multiple drug transactions and visiting various apartments—some leased under false names—to facilitate their activities. During searches at these locations tied to the conspiracy, law enforcement seized approximately 67 kilograms of fentanyl (with most disguised as Percocet pills), one kilogram each of cocaine and methamphetamine, along with several firearms including pistols and rifles.
The case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division alongside the Cleveland Division of Police and the Cartel, Gang, Narcotics, and Money Laundering Task Force—a coalition that includes federal, state, and local agencies.
Assistant United States Attorney Vasile C. Katsaros prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
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