Father-Son Duo in Cincinnati: How Drug Trafficking Fueled Their Luxurious Super Bowl Lifestyle

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – A father and son duo have been sentenced for running a major drug trafficking operation to fund their lavish lifestyle, which even included front-row Super Bowl tickets.

Stephen Wheeler, 49, and his son Romello, 30, were active in trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana from July 2022 to February 2023. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, they lived in a luxury downtown Cincinnati apartment costing over $4,000 monthly while also renting a second home for their drug activities for $1,000.

Throughout the eight-month investigation, these men were seen driving a fleet of nine high-end cars and taking trips across the U.S. and abroad. Authorities reported that they had acquired expensive items, including Super Bowl tickets with field passes for the Halftime Show in Los Angeles.

During the investigation, over 1,300 grams of fentanyl, 1,700 grams of pure crystal meth, nearly 1,000 grams of cocaine, around $190,000 in cash, and over $395,000 in jewelry were seized. A loaded armor-piercing pistol was also discovered.

Both Stephen and Romello pleaded guilty to serious charges, including possession with intent to distribute large amounts of fentanyl and meth. Stephen received a 15-year prison sentence, while Romello was sentenced to 12. A third accomplice, Mikelle Hill, was sentenced to four months for her involvement.

This case reflects a troubling trend in drug-related crimes, where traffickers lead extravagant lives, often flaunting their wealth. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 70,000 people die from opioid overdoses yearly in the U.S. This alarming statistic underscores the gravity of the drug epidemic impacting communities everywhere.

As society grapples with the consequences of addiction and trafficking, it’s crucial to seek solutions that prioritize prevention and rehabilitation over punishment. Addressing these issues is a growing concern, amplified by recent public conversations on social media, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive drug policy reform.



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Drug trafficking,Super Bowl,Fentanyl,Methamphetamine,Cocaine,Luxury lifestyle,Cincinnati,Sentencing