Bonds set for 5 in drug-ring case

6/30/2007

TIFFIN - Cash bonds were set yesterday in Seneca County Common Pleas Court for five people charged this week because authorities believe they were involved with a drug organization that transported crack cocaine from Fostoria to Toledo, county Prosecutor Ken Egbert, Jr., said.

In all, 21 defendants were named this week in indictments containing 150 felony charges. Arrests were made during raids Wednesday.

Others named in the indictments already were incarcerated on other charges, while some were still at large.

Those making an initial appearance before Judge Steve Shuff were:

•Alexa Johnson, 20, of Fostoria, for whom a $1 million cash bond was set in connection with 15 drug-related felonies, including trafficking in and possession of crack cocaine, and a $500,000 cash bond in connection with another case that includes eight drug-related felonies.

•Aaron Hoskins, 24, of Toledo, for whom a $750,000 cash bond was set in connection with eight drug-related felonies, including six counts of trafficking in crack cocaine.

•Luwana Engler, 41, of Fostoria, for whom a $500,000 cash bond was set for five drug-related felonies, including four counts of trafficking in crack cocaine.

•Derrick T. Noles, 23, of Toledo, for whom a $500,000 cash bond was set for four drug-related felonies, including three counts of trafficking in crack cocaine.

•Robert S. Connor, 35, of Fostoria, for whom a $250,000 cash bond was set for three drug-related felonies, including two counts of trafficking in crack cocaine.

Those who appeared in court yesterday were being held in the Seneca County jail in lieu of the bonds set. They will be arraigned July 11 before Judge Shuff.

Bond hearings for nine other defendants are likely to be scheduled next week, Mr. Egbert said.