MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A significant victory was achieved for Marion County this week as Myron Johnson was found guilty on all counts of Trafficking and Possession of Cocaine, Heroin, and Fentanyl by a Marion County jury. This conviction is the culmination of a meticulous investigation and trial process that spanned more than a year.
The case began on October 6, 2021, when the MARMET Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence on LaTourette Street in Marion. The search yielded drug paraphernalia and scales, leading to Johnson’s immediate arrest.
The investigation took an unexpected turn at the jail when Johnson volunteered information to officers about concealed drugs on his person. Body camera footage confirmed Johnson’s claims of possessing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Subsequent testing revealed 57 grams of cocaine, 2.73 grams of heroin, and .18 grams of fentanyl. An additional $744.00 was discovered in his pocket.
Assistant Prosecutors Justin Frey and Bill Owen led the case to trial under the oversight of Judge Matthew P. Frericks. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning guilty verdicts.
Marion County Prosecuting Attorney Ray Grogan praised the combined efforts of law enforcement and the legal team. “This conviction sends a clear message about our unwavering commitment to rid our community of drug peddlers,” Grogan stated. “I commend the diligence and dedication of everyone involved.”
With the guilty verdict rendered, sentencing by Judge Frericks is pending, with significant prison time expected for Johnson due to the gravity of the charges.
“Marion County has too much drug crime and we’ve been working hard to change that,” Grogan concluded. “Drug dealers should be on notice that we take their crimes very seriously and we will put them in prison for selling their poison.”