Career offender sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl

DAYTON, Ohio - A career offender who coordinated drug sales over Facebook Messenger was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 200 months in prison.

This case marks the third federal conviction for Steven Waldon, 43, of Dayton. He was previously convicted in the Southern District of Ohio of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and distribution of fentanyl. In addition to these federal crimes, Waldon had also been convicted locally of trafficking heroin.

According to court documents, Waldon led a drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl in the Dayton region. Between May and July 2024, law enforcement officers observed at least five drug sales from Waldon's drug trafficking organization.

Conspirators stored drugs at a residence on Marburn Avenue in Dayton and Waldon had those drugs delivered to the sites of drug sales. Waldon also trafficked drugs from his residence on Porterfield Drive in Dayton. When agents searched both properties, they discovered trafficking quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as more than $13,000 in cash.

Waldon was arrested in charged in the instant case in July 2024. He pleaded guilty in April 2025.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Rossi is representing the United States in this case.

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