A New Waterford man described by a prosecutor as a predator who brought drugs into Columbiana County has received the maximum prison sentence.

Jason Yates, 42, was sentenced to 3-and-a-half years in prison during a hearing in Columbiana County Court on Monday after being convicted for offenses including aggravated drug trafficking and five counts of drug possession.

According to Assistant County Prosecutors Ryan P. Weikart and Alec Beech, Yates was one of 14 people indicted in connection with a drug-trafficking operation with connections to East Palestine, New Waterford, Columbiana, Salem, and Summit County. 

At the sentencing hearing, Weikart outlined the investigation that began in 2018, saying Yates used drug addicts to commit the crimes.