Dayton, Ohio – Steven Waldon, a 43-year-old career offender, has been sentenced to 200 months, or more than 16 years, in federal prison for coordinating fentanyl sales through Facebook Messenger. This marks Waldon's third federal conviction, following previous charges for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl distribution, in addition to a local heroin trafficking conviction.
Waldon led a drug trafficking organization operating in the Dayton region. Between May and July 2024, law enforcement observed at least five drug sales orchestrated by his group. Conspirators stored drugs at a residence on Marburn Avenue, from which Waldon arranged deliveries, and he also trafficked drugs from his home on Porterfield Drive.
Searches of both properties uncovered trafficking quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, alongside more than $13,000 in cash. Waldon was arrested in July 2024 and subsequently pleaded guilty in April 2025.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie of the FBI Cincinnati Division, and Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson. U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman imposed the sentence, with Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi representing the government.