Member of alleged heroin, meth drug ring pleads guilty

One of eight people indicted last summer by a Miami County grand jury as part of an alleged drug ring that law enforcement officials said imported large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine into the area pleaded guilty Monday, March 20, to four felony charges.

As part of a plea deal, a three-year prison term will be recommended for Jose Barajas, 37, whose address has been listed as both Huber Heights and Dayton.

Four of those indicted were arrested in August while four others remain at large. The three others arrested along with Barajas are scheduled to enter pleas in their cases in county Common Pleas Court in the next two weeks.

Barajas pleaded guilty to one felony count each of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy to engage in a pattern of corrupt of activity and two counts of aggravated financing of drug trafficking in incidents during 2013.

Judge Jeannine Pratt told Barajas she could sentence him to something other than the sentence recommended by prosecutors and the defense. With the charges involved, Barajas could face up to 41 years in prison and fines totaling $75,000 at sentencing May 2.

Defense lawyer Jack Hemm said he would file an affidavit of indigency for Barajas for waiver of the fines. Pratt also told Barajas that because he was not a United States citizen he could face deportation.

County Prosecutor Tony Kendell said following the hearing that he could not comment on the case until the charges against other defendants are resolved.