Last Defendant in Akron Meth Trafficking Case Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

AKRON, Ohio - The last defendant in a drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to prison for his role as an illegal supplier of a schedule II controlled substance throughout Summit County and the surrounding areas.

Maurice A. Stewart, 31, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz after pleading guilty in October of the following charges:

• Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Distribution of Methamphetamine
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment.

According to court documents, in October 2022, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) opened an investigation into suspected drug and firearms trafficking in the Akron area. Investigators learned that three individuals, including Stewart, were conspiring with one another to obtain large amounts of methamphetamine for the purpose of sale and distribution throughout Northeast Ohio. A search warrant was subsequently executed at Stewart's residence on West Long Street in Akron. There, agents seized 379.1 grams of methamphetamine, 87.5 grams of fentanyl, four cellphones, and a Glock, Model 19 Gen 5, semiautomatic pistol. Two residences located at East Archwood Avenue and Tonawanda Avenue, and connected to his co-conspirators, were also searched and resulted in additional seizures of methamphetamine, a firearm, drug scales and paraphernalia, and cellphones.

The following co-defendants in the case, also of Akron, are currently serving sentences in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Distribution of Methamphetamine:

• Kevin R. McQuain, age 46, was sentenced to 100 months; additionally pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
• Kenneth L. Pitman, age 54, was sentenced to 90 months; additionally pleaded guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Portage County Sheriff's Office Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio led the prosecution.