Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Four Arrested for Running Large-Scale Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Operation in Cleveland (DOJ)

CLEVELAND - Four Cuyahoga County men were arrested for allegedly running a large-scale drug manufacturing and trafficking organization throughout Northeast Ohio. These arrests are the result of an intensive, 15 months-long investigation by federal agents and prosecutors with the Cleveland Homeland Security Task Force.

The following individuals were charged by criminal complaint:

• Marcus Brown, 36, of Cleveland
• Kardell Henderson, 32, of Solon
• Terence Montgomery, 32, of Cleveland
• Devonte Poteat, 30, of Euclid

All four defendants were arrested and remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

According to a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) affidavit, in late summer 2025, ATF and Homeland Security Investigations, along with other federal and local law enforcement agencies, were investigating large-scale narcotics trafficking throughout Northern Ohio. Brown, Henderson, Montgomery and Poteat were subsequently identified by law enforcement as suspected drug traffickers.

During a search warrant execution of a suspected stash house in East Cleveland, agents located more than 20 bags that were later confirmed to contain various amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and cocaine base (crack). One room in the residence was set up for drug manufacturing. Inside, items such as a breathing respirator and a drug press were discovered, along with a loaded firearm. Multiple bags of suspected illegal drugs, which were packaged and prepped for distribution, were also located throughout the residence hidden under mattresses, in furniture, and in a clothes hamper.

"This investigation would not be possible without the incredible collaboration among all levels of law enforcement here in our Northern District of Ohio," said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer. "We have a common goal to target and go after suspected drug traffickers who destroy our communities. With the support and full resources of the Homeland Security Task Force we are equipped to stop violent criminals who profit from hurting others."

"The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and dismantle organized criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. "Through the coordinated efforts of the Homeland Security Task Force, we are holding violent offenders accountable and making Northern Ohio a safer place for all residents."

"The Homeland Security Task Force works alongside state and local law enforcement to safeguard our communities and stem the flow of illicit narcotics into Northeast Ohio," said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. "I am proud of the HSI special agents and our partners for removing these dangerous drugs from our streets and preventing further harm and loss for Ohio families."

Additionally, several other locations in Euclid, South Euclid, and Solon connected to the defendants were also subjected to a court-authorized search. Items that were seized included bags of suspected illegal drugs, firearms, ammunition, digital scales, blenders, numerous cellphones, cash, and money counters.

Among all four locations, federal agents seized:

• 1,355.74 grams of Fentanyl
• 1,117.97 grams of Cocaine
• 2,709.16 grams of Cocaine Base (Crack)
• 5 Firearms
• More than $17,000 in U.S. Currency

Brown, Henderson, Montgomery, and Poteat were each charged with:

• Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
• Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
• Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Cocaine

If convicted, each defendant faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cleveland comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies including ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Border Patrol Air & Marine Operations. Local and regional agencies involved in this case included the Cleveland Division of Police, Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Westlake Police Department, and the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office. Evidence analysis was conducted by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory.

Assistant United States Attorneys Marc D. Bullard and Scott Zarzycki for the Northern District of Ohio are leading the prosecution.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.