A man with apparently tenuous ties to Sharon was one of seven indicted by a federal grand jury on drug charges.

Jesus C. Morel, 38, who gave an address of 387 Stambaugh Ave., Sharon, which doesn't exist, was charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute about 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

Also indicted by the grand jury:

   » Marlan B. Everson, 31, of Youngstown, conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute about 3.6 kilograms of cocaine, being a felon in possession of firearms and possession with intent to distribute 59 grams of crack cocaine

   » Marino J. Diaz, 36, of Bronx, N.Y., conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute about 3.6 kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 4 kilograms of cocaine.

   » Giovanny H. Medina, 30, of Bronx, N.Y., conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 4 kilograms of cocaine.

   » Juan Valdez-Reyes, 24, of Bronx, N.Y., conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 4 kilograms of cocaine.

   » Luis M. Valdez, 32, of Brentwood, N.Y., conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 4 kilograms of cocaine.

   » Gino Francisco-Almonte, 30, of New York, conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.

If convicted of all counts, each man could be sentenced to life imprisonment, said the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cleveland.

All men have been held in federal custody since early June, when they were arrested on complaints filed by the Youngstown office of the Drug Enforcement Agency.

The first arrest was made June 3 when investigators raided two Youngstown homes. Police found more than 3.6 kilograms of cocaine in the basement rafters of 282 Potomac Ave., a 12-gauge shotgun and two bulletproof vests, according to the complaint.

Everson was arrested at 2215 Summer St., where police found a loaded a .40-caliber handgun in a bedroom closet and assorted paraphernalia for the packaging of drugs and creation of crack cocaine

A bag containing 5.96 grams of crack cocaine, 116.5 grams of heroin and 33.4 grams of cocaine was found in the driveway, the complaint said.

Everson, who stayed at both homes, told officials he had received cocaine from three Dominican Republic natives living in New York numerous times, the latest a day earlier, when 3èkilograms were delivered.

One of the men was Morel, the complaint said. Everson arranged a cocaine buy with Everson, and Morel was arrested when he showed up at Potomac, police said.

Diaz was with Morel, also known as Jesus Morel-Paredes, in a sport-utility vehicle, but drove away while police arrested Morel.

Diaz was stopped and arrested soon after and gave consent to search the SUV. In a compartment with a hydraulic door under the rear passenger set, 33 grams of cocaine were found, the complaint said.

Everson also set up a buy with Medina, whom he said he had gotten cocaine and heroin from about 10 times since February. Medina drove in from New York that day.

Medina, Almonte, Valdez-Reyes and Valdez were arrested at a Liberty, Trumbull County, motel. In Almonte's car, authorities found 1 kilogram of cocaine on the passenger seat, and 3 kilograms in a hidden compartment in the glove compartment.

Everson agreed to be held in custody until trial, while the others were ordered detained about a week after their arrests by Magistrate Judge George J. Limbert, Youngstown.

The case has been assigned to Judge David Dowd, Akron, and arraignments have been set for Tuesday before him, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christa Dimon-Brunst, who presented the case to the grand jury with Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Feran.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Joe Pinchot at jpinchot@sharon-herald.com