MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Deonte Fragmin, a 32, of Marion, has been convicted on three felony charges related to drug possession and firearms following a routine traffic stop that took place in April 2025.
The Marion Police Department conducted the traffic stop, during which the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and their K9, Viking, were called to the scene. A positive alert from the K9 led officers to search Fragmin’s vehicle, where they discovered three digital scales, multiple tied baggies containing suspected illegal substances, and a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. Notably, Fragmin was found holding a 9mm bullet at the time.
Subsequent analysis of the suspected drugs sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) confirmed the presence of 36.62 grams of substances containing fentanyl and 16.85 grams of cocaine.
A jury found Fragmin guilty on two drug-related counts: one first-degree felony and one third-degree felony. Additionally, Fragmin opted for a trial by the court for the gun charge, where Judge Matthew P. Frericks ruled him guilty of that third-degree felony as well.
Fragmin now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence, with the first-degree felony carrying a maximum of 11 years, while each third-degree felony could result in up to 36 months in prison. Sentencing is scheduled to take place before Judge Frericks following a pre-sentence investigation report.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspected drug activity or illegal firearms to the Marion Police Department or the Sheriff’s Office.