A massive multi-agency law enforcement operation targeting gun violence and drug trafficking in the Dayton area has led to federal charges against 47 people. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced the results of the eight-week initiative, dubbed “Operation Fly City,” alongside local and federal law enforcement partners on Monday.
The operation began on April 27 and culminated in a wave of arrests last week, leaving 43 of the defendants currently in federal custody. Over the course of the sweep, investigators seized 176 firearms, machinegun conversion devices, and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The charges were brought through 20 federal indictments and three criminal complaints filed in Dayton over the past few weeks.
“The goal of this operation was simple: to get guns and drugs off the street and out of the hands of the most violent and habitual offenders,” U.S. Attorney Gerace said. “Law enforcement at all levels took that mission seriously and I thank them for making our streets safer.”
The defendants, who mostly reside in Dayton but include residents from Huber Heights, Moraine, Trotwood, Miamisburg, and Cincinnati, face various federal charges. These include conspiracy to distribute drugs, felon in possession of a firearm, firearms trafficking, and possession of a machinegun.
Local authorities emphasized the importance of collaboration in executing the sweep. Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson highlighted the direct impact these arrests are expected to have on the area.
“By targeting individuals responsible for violent crime, illegal firearms, and drug trafficking, we are making our neighborhoods safer and sending a clear message that those who threaten our community will be held accountable,” Chief Henderson said.
While dozens of individuals are already behind bars, law enforcement is still actively searching for four defendants who remain at large: Isaiah Chancellor, Anthony Scott, Eucelf Taste Sr., and Eucelf Taste Jr. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is currently offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrests of Eucelf Taste Sr. and Eucelf Taste Jr. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS or via email at ATFtips@atf.gov.
The sweep was conducted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Cincinnati, a whole-of-government partnership established by executive order to eliminate criminal cartels, gangs, and trafficking rings. Officials reminded the public that indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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