Multiple Mahoning Valley agencies raid Warren home, take man into custody

By Staff Report June 13, 2025 at 1:18 PM

On Monday, June 9, at approximately 7:15 a.m., the Warren Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Warren Tactical Entry Team and the Trumbull County sheriff’s TAG anti-drug task force, executed a search warrant at 1545 Tod Ave. NW in Warren.

The action marks the culmination of an intensive investigation into suspected narcotics activity at the location, according to a police news release. During the search, detectives recovered suspected illegal narcotics totaling about 3.8 ounces (109 Grams) including crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Drug paraphernalia and a 9mm handgun were also recovered.

Darius Priest, 33, was taken into custody and transported to the Trumbull County Jail for processing. Charges related to the seized items will be filed pending laboratory results from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Additionally, Priest was arrested on 14 active felony drug warrants issued by the Trumbull County Common Pleas Court through a secret indictment as well as a domestic violence charge through the Warren Municipal Court.

The secret indictment against Priest included 13 counts:

• Count 1: Trafficking in Fentanyl Related Compounds (FRC) (F3)

• Count 2: Trafficking in Cocaine (F4))

• Count 3: Trafficking in FRC (F2)

• Count 4: Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs (F2)

• Counts 5, 7, & 9: Trafficking in FRC (F4)

• Counts 6, 8, & 10: Trafficking in Heroin (F4)

• Count 11: Possession of Cocaine (F1) with Specification for Forfeiture

• Count 12: Possession of Cocaine (F1)

• Counts 13 & 14: Possession of Cocaine (F5)

Priest was arraigned Wednesday, June 11 before Judge Sean O’Brien who set bond at $150,000. Priest, through his attorney Carlo Ciccone, pleaded not guilty to the multiple counts and will have a pre-trial on June 25.

The Warren Police Department in its release stated it appreciates the assistance from the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Department that made this arrest possible.

Anyone with information on illegal drug activity in the City of Warren can leave an anonymous message by calling the Street Crimes Unit at 330-841-2658.

Staff Report

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Aaron Moody is a sports and general reporter for the News & Observer. Here is a second sentence for the bio because it will probably be longer than this. Maybe even longer I don't know. Support my work with a digital subscription

This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 10:29 AM