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Leader of drug ring pleads to conspiracy

YOUNGSTOWN — The reputed ringleader of a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Mahoning Valley pleaded guilty to one federal count.

Korey K. Moody, 36, with an Orlo Lane, Boardman address, pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy with intent to possess and distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl.

Moody, who is set for sentencing Feb. 25, is one of nine people charged last summer in a 57-count indictment dealing with a drug trafficking operation in the Youngstown area. His plea came Friday.

Others named in the indictment are Cedric L. Sanders, 42; Matthew J. Spain, 28; Michael N. Childs Jr., 35; Dewayne A. McCullough, 35; Ghalayah L. LaBooth, 42; George V. Barnette, 37; Lamar E. Knox, 31, all of Youngstown; and Lawrence K. McBride, 50, of Salem.

Court records show Spain of Ridge Avenue, pleaded guilty Tuesday to the conspiracy count and also to a charge of distribution of heroin and fentanyl. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 1.

In addition to the conspiracy charge, the defendants are charged with various counts of use of a communication facility in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, maintaining a drug premises, distribution of heroin and fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine base, possession with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to the indictment, from February to December 2019, Moody is accused of supplying heroin and cocaine to Sanders, Spain, LaBooth and Childs for distribution in the Youngstown area. In turn, it is alleged that Spain and Childs supplied cocaine to McCullough, Barnette, Knox and McBride for redistribution in the areas around Youngstown. The defendants allegedly used cellphones and code words, like “vick” “onion” and “zipper” to conduct and conceal their activities.

Moody also is accused of maintaining a drug house on Delason Avenue in Youngstown.

news@vindy.com

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