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United States of America v. Kevin Deramus and Dorian Freeman,

Date: 02-14-2026

Case Number: 24-cr-00031

Judge: Susan J. Dlott

Court: United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Hamilton County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Cincinnati

Defendant's Attorney: Clyde Bennett

Description:
Cincinnati, Ohio, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Kevin Deramus, 46, was the head of the drug trafficking organization. He obtained, cut, processed and distributed large quantities of drug mixes made with heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other drugs. He was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 294 months in prison.

Throughout this investigation, agents learned that Deramus purchased large quantities of heroin from a co-defendant before he and one of his top distributors, Dorian Freeman, cut and processed that heroin with fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other substances. The drugs were then sold to co-conspirators who helped run a handful of stash houses in Cincinnati.

Deramus was heard during law enforcement surveillance bragging about how potent his drugs were, while simultaneously complaining that they were too strong because it now took his “licks” longer to come back and buy more. He was also heard joking that one of his drug testers may have overdosed and died from the potency.

When law enforcement officials executed search warrants at associated residences in February and March 2024, they discovered $291,000 in cash at one stash house. They also seized bulk quantities of drugs and loaded firearms.

Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit, and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the sentences imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Former Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley and Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette represented the United States in this case.
Outcome:
Freeman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Co-defendant Gregory Isham was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 57 months in prison. Damien Tribble and Edmond Hurt were each sentenced today to 36 months in prison.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:

About This Case

What was the outcome of United States of America v. Kevin Deramus and Dorian Free...?

The outcome was: Freeman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Co-defendant Gregory Isham was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 57 months in prison. Damien Tribble and Edmond Hurt were each sentenced today to 36 months in prison.

Which court heard United States of America v. Kevin Deramus and Dorian Free...?

This case was heard in United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Hamilton County), OH. The presiding judge was Susan J. Dlott.

Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Kevin Deramus and Dorian Free...?

Plaintiff's attorney: United States District Attorney’s Office in Cincinnati. Defendant's attorney: Clyde Bennett.

When was United States of America v. Kevin Deramus and Dorian Free... decided?

This case was decided on February 14, 2026.