A Summit County grand jury indicted nine people after a multi-year investigation into a criminal gang operating in Akron between 2019 and 2024, authorities said Wednesday.
The Akron Police Department led the investigation, which centered on alleged members of the Down the Way gang, or DTW, who officials claim were involved in an ongoing pattern of criminal activity.
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On Wednesday morning, investigators from Akron police’s Anti-Violence Bureau supported the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in carrying out five arrest warrants related to the case, according to police. Four additional individuals included in the indictment are already in prison on unrelated counts.
The following individuals have been charged with criminal gang participation and conspiracy:
- Isaiah Lillie
- Eric Cosey
- Jimmie McCully
- Ronald Jones
- Jordan Davis
- Rausheen Rivers
- Tyrus Toney
- Javeon Wright
- Michael Morale Jr.
“These indictments are the result of a coordinated effort between Akron Police detectives and our law enforcement partners,” Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said in a statement. “Long-term investigations like this require a tremendous amount of patience and commitment to protecting our community. We will continue to focus our efforts on reducing violent crime in the city of Akron and disrupting criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our community.”
Officials said detectives used information from the Akron Crime Gun Intelligence Center to link the defendants to gang-related criminal behavior.
“Today’s indictments and arrests are the culmination of years of dedicated work from our Akron Police Department,” added Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “These are offenders who were responsible for significant criminal activity in our community over a period of many years. These arrests reinforce that those committing crimes in our city will be held accountable for their actions.”
The investigation was carried out in collaboration with the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, which submitted the evidence before the Summit County Grand Jury and obtained the indictments.
“Organized crime has no place in Summit County, and my office will prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law,” Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich stated.
