After receiving numerous complaints from residents and businesses regarding suspected drug activity in the area of 15924 W. High St. in Middlefield Village, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office detectives launched an investigation.
On May 9 and 10, with assistance from Middlefield Village Police and agents from the TAG Task Force, detectives arrested four people for their involvement in long-term heroin and cocaine trafficking.
Arrested were Middlefield Village residents Raymond A. Gingerich, 50, of 15924 W. High St., and Kathleen M. Gingerich, 52, of 15034 S. State Ave., and Brett F. Prezioso, 45, of Howland, and Darryl “D” McCorkle, 44, of Warren.
Prezioso and McCorkle were charged with trafficking in drugs, a fifth-degree felony. Additional criminal charges are expected pending a Geauga County grand jury presentation.
The Gingeriches were both charged with drug abuse, a first-degree misdemeanor. Additional criminal charges also are pending.
“Detectives began the investigation based on numerous complaints from area residents and businesses regarding drug activity,” Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand said. ” Yet again, this is another great example of community residents and businesses taking initiative and reporting criminal activity to law enforcement.”
In total, investigators seized from the suspects crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, cellular phones, a Cadillac sedan and suspected drug proceeds.
All four suspects have been arraigned in Chardon Municipal Court. McCorkle’s bond was set at 10 percent of $10,000 cash or surety. He currently is jailed at the Geauga County Safety Center.
Prezioso had a felony bond setting scheduled for May 11 and was released from jail after posting bond.
Raymond Gingerich pleaded not guilty. His bond was set at 10% of $2,500 cash or surety. He is still jailed at the Geauga County Safety Center, according to court records.
Kathleen Gingerich also pleaded not guilty. She was released from jail after posting 10 percent of a $1,000 cash or surety bond, court records indicated.
