5 sentenced in Sandusky County drug cases

FREMONT — After an extensive investigation, authorities recently secured sentences for several defendants in drug-related criminal cases. The Sandusky County prosecutor's office, the Sandusky County Drug Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security led the investigation into the drug operation. They received assistance from various law enforcement agencies across several states, including multiple agencies from Ohio, Kentucky and Arizona, according to a news release from the county prosecutor's office. During the course of the investigation, more than 5 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, phycobilin, prescription medication, steroids, fentanyl, marijuana, and 10 guns were uncovered. The following five people were sentenced on these dates in connection with the investigation, according to court records: • On Dec. 8, Jeremy Ferkel, 46, 4200 block County Road 231, Clyde, who was sentenced on felony counts of aggravated drug trafficking, aggravated drug possession, cocaine possession and having weapons under disability; Sandusky County Common Pleas Court Judge Jon Ickes sentenced Ferkel to serve 12 to 17.5 years in prison. • On Dec. 15, Thomas Washburn, 54, of Amherst, Ohio, who was sentenced on felony counts of complicity in the commission of drug trafficking and conspiracy; Ickes sentenced Washburn to serve 12 to 16 years in prison. • On Oct. 28, Rebecca Standifer, 49, currently incarcerated in Marysville, Ohio, who was sentenced on felony counts of attempted money laundering, money laundering and conspiracy; Ickes sentenced Standifer to serve four years, 11 months to 6 years, 11 months in prison. • On Oct. 28, 2024, Kaitlin Burkett, 28, currently incarcerated in Marysville, Ohio, who was sentenced on felony aggravated drug trafficking and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound; Ickes sentenced Burkett to serve five to seven-and-a-half years in prison. • On July 24, 2024, Kyle Chase, 32, currently incarcerated in Lancaster, Ohio, who was sentenced on counts of felony drug trafficking, complicity, having weapons under disability and drug possession; Ickes sentenced Chase to serve between eight and nine years in prison. "The Sandusky County prosecutor's office extends its appreciation to all partner agencies whose dedication and cooperation contributed to the outcome of this case," the release states. Sandusky County prosecutor Beth Tischler urged residents to call the county's drug task force at 419-334-5918 or fill out a form on the prosecutor's website to report any suspected drug activities, as part of efforts to fight illegal drug activity.