Major Anti-Drug Operation Nets Over 50 Arrests in Lake County

PAINESVILLE – United States Marshal Pete Elliott and Lake County Sheriff Frank Leonbruno announced the successful completion of Operation Washout in Lake County on Tuesday, resulting in more than 50 arrests throughout the region.

The six-week operation targeted drug-related violence and overdose incidents across Lake County by focusing on individuals with violent felony warrants connected to narcotic distribution or possession.

“Operation Washout was a tremendous success and made a significant impact in finding some our most wanted persons throughout Lake County,” Sheriff Leonbruno said. “The cooperation we have working with the United States Marshal Service helps to ensure we are able to meet the safety and security needs of our citizens to help ensure that Lake County is the best place to build a home, create a business, and raise your family.”

During the operation, law enforcement closed 61 warrants through arrests by the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF), its partner agencies, and other law enforcement agencies in the area. Six known gang members were arrested and one firearm was recovered.

Notable arrests included Tyrese Johnson, 34, and Brianna Johnson, 31, both wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for manslaughter, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, corrupting another with drugs, and drug trafficking. The investigation began with the Mentor Police Department after two overdose deaths occurred in April 2024. Tyrese Johnson was arrested on April 9 at his residence in the 600 block of River Street, Grand River. Brianna Johnson was arrested the same day at her residence in the 1400 block of East 175th Street, Cleveland.

Authorities also arrested Cortez Hopper, who was wanted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for illegal manufacture of drugs. Fugitive investigation led the NOVFTF to locate Hopper in Steubenville, where he was also a suspect in an investigation involving cocaine distribution. Local police had been unable to identify Hopper until information was shared in connection with the fugitive investigation. Hopper was arrested on April 4 with assistance from the Northern District of West Virginia, Wheeling.

“Outstanding and longstanding partnerships are what make operations such as this so successful,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said. “When agencies work towards the same goals, success like this is inevitable. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, and the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force are all committed to the safety of the communities we serve.”

The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force – Painesville Division consists of multiple agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, various Lake County police departments, and law enforcement from neighboring counties.

Anyone with information concerning wanted fugitives can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.