TOLEDO — A former Ohio U.S. Postal Service (USPS) worker is admitting to playing a role in a drug trafficking scheme using USPS.
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Marcus Gaines, 34, of Toledo, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Ohio
The case began when USPS inspectors intercepted a suspicious package in June 2024, which led to the discovery of approximately 2.2 pounds of powder cocaine and one pound of heroin mixed with fentanyl.
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Investigators found that the package was intended for an address on Gaines’ delivery route. They repackaged the parcel with a sham substance. Gaines collected it and transported it along his route.
“The defendant then drove to a parking lot along his route and met with a co-conspirator where an exchange occurred,” the spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Investigators later learned that the co-conspirator paid Gaines $500 for each package containing narcotics that he delivered. Each delivery was made at a location along Gaines’ delivery route.
He faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines. Sentencing is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
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