Traffic stop leads to 35 years in prison for Republic man

Case originated with Ohio State Highway Patrol in Ashland County

A Seneca County man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty at a jury trial of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Prosecutors said that Seth Hoover, age 39, of Republic, Ohio shuttled drugs and cash for the Sinaloa Cartel from the East Coast to the Midwest.

Citing court documents, the U.S. Attorney's office detailed that:

-- an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper observed Hoover make a traffic violation on U.S. Route 250 in Ashland County.

-- During the traffic stop, Hoover presented fake identification. 

-- A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded pistol, approximately 1.8 kilograms of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and items associated with drug trafficking.

The investigation determined the street value of the fentanyl to be approximately $120,000.

The DEA-Cleveland District Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigated this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio.

Sentencing was in November.