Fostoria crack kingpin convicted, given 37 years

5/14/2008

TIFFIN A former Toledo man considered a kingpin in a crack cocaine distribution ring in Fostoria was convicted yesterday of 23 drug-related felonies and sentenced to nearly 37 years in prison.

Darrion A. Stewart, 27, was found guilty on all 23 counts against him after a 2 -week jury trial in Seneca County Common Pleas Court. The jury deliberated two full days before rendering its verdict yesterday.

Judge Steve Shuff sentenced Stewart to a mandatory 36 years, 11 months in prison for multiple trafficking and possession convictions as well as participating in a criminal gang and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Stewart and 20 others were arrested last June as part of Operation Blockbusta, which focused on the sale of crack in downtown Fostoria and at the Fostoria Townhouses in 2006 and 2007.