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Drug Ring Supplier Arraigned In Court
By: Rachel Bailey
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The alleged supplier of the drug ring in Glouster will have to pay $12 million to get out of jail on bond – four times the amount of profit prosecutors say he made from selling oxycodon in Athens County.
Brandon Jorge Allen, of Detroit, was arraigned in court Monday on charges of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, 10 counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs and one count of aggravated possession of drugs.
Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn said Allen decided to "stand silent" during arraignment, so the court entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
"He sold $3 million's worth of drugs in Athens County. Four times of that is $12 million," Blackburn said. "He has a recording company and rental property in Detroit. His ability to post bond plus his history of being a flight risk – He was going to leave the country when we arrested him. $12 million seemed appropriate and the court set it as such."
Allen is being accused of selling over 100,000 30 mg. oxycodon pills in Athens County since 2009 to a ring that allegedly included Derek Gyure, John Casey Metcalf, Bert C. Sharrer, Bart Sharrer, Jr., and Kendra Sharrer.
The Athens County Prosecutors Office originated the investigation six months ago, with primary assistance from the Sheriffs' Office, the Ohio University Police Department, and the Athens Police Department. Over two dozen other agencies also assisted with the investigation.
"You know, I think this is the largest drug investigation to ever take place in Athens County. It's the first time that we've gone back to the source of the drugs," Blackburn said. "That is a significant accomplishment. We are sending a message: You will NOT want to traffic drugs in Athens County. We will come find you, whether you've been here or not. We will use the full force of this office and of the state of Ohio to hunt down drug dealers."
Allen's pretrial will be held on September 15 at 2 p.m. The jury trial will be held October 7.