Hamilton man convicted at trial of federal drug crimes

CINCINNATI - A federal jury has convicted Marico Keeling, 36, of Hamilton, Ohio, with three counts of narcotics crimes. Keeling was a drug dealer who distributed narcotics and conspired with others to distribute large quantities of narcotics into communities in the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.

Specifically, Keeling was found guilty of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, distributing methamphetamine and distributing fentanyl. The verdict was announced yesterday afternoon following a trial that began on July 20 before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole.

According to court documents and trial testimony, from at least August 2023 through October 2024, Keeling participated in a narcotics conspiracy.

Keeling had been the source of supply of nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl discovered during an undercover drug operation in Wisconsin on Dec. 19, 2023.

In Cincinnati, Keeling often met other drug dealers at Dewey Avenue, where Keeling's co-defendant brother lived.

While executing search warrants of his brother's residence on Dewey Avenue as well as Keeling's vehicle and residence in October 2024, investigators discovered both fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Keeling was responsible for the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces at least five years and up to 40 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Keeling was arrested and charged federally in October 2024.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit, announced the verdict. The DEA Cincinnati Resident Office was assisted in this investigation by members of the DEA Green Bay Resident Office, the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Sharonville Police Department, the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, the Covington Police Department and Ohio State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Springer and Ebunoluwa Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.

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