Thirteen secret indictments link cell phones to alleged drug sales in Mahoning County

Authorities in Mahoning County are using mobile phone usage as key pieces of evidence to prosecute people buying or selling drugs.

The Mahoning County Violent Crimes Task Force this month began arresting thirteen women and three men charged with possessing criminal tools.

Those “criminal tools” according to a secret indictment are cell phones allegedly used to possess or traffic in drugs between September and December of last year.

As of Wednesday, the below suspects have been arrested

 Samuel Albright, 60, Youngstown

 James Herdman, 39, Youngstown

Stephanie Marino, 35, Struthers

 Terrin May, 24, Youngstown

 Victoria Patterson, 65, Youngstown

 Roberta Reed, 49, North Benton

Jessica Huff, 26, Niles

 Tiara Robinson, 34, Boardman

 Vanessa Robinson, 51, Youngstown

 Christine Smith, 40, Youngstown

The names of the three suspects not yet arrested were redacted from the secret indictment obtained by 21 News.

Treating mobile phones as criminal tools is not a new concept for prosecutors.

For several years now people accused of crimes such as prostitution, and human trafficking have been charged with “possessing criminal tools”.