Drugs, Glock’s Switches, and Gunfire on I-71: Man Sentenced to at least 17 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Weapons Charges
Posted on 1/15/2025
Defendant: Tayvion Taylor
On January 14, 2025, Judge Andy Miller sentenced Tayvion Taylor to a minimum of 17 years and a maximum of 22.5 years in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The sentence stems from Mr. Taylor’s involvement in a serious incident that occurred on October 7, 2022.
Case Background
Mr. Taylor and his co-defendant, Sharone Coleman, were riding in an Uber on Interstate 71 when the vehicle came under heavy gunfire. The Uber driver and Mr. Coleman were both struck by bullets. After the vehicle stopped, Mr. Taylor was seen throwing two Glock handguns equipped with illegal switches over a nearby fence. These modifications made the firearms fully automatic. Mr. Taylor also discarded a bag containing drugs near the highway. Police recovered the firearms and the drugs shortly after arriving on the scene.
The seized drugs tested positive for over 55 grams of fentanyl and 39 grams of cocaine. Both substances were determined to be part of a trafficking operation. Police also found a digital scale and an extended firearm magazine in the Uber where Mr. Taylor and Mr. Coleman had been sitting.
Charges and Sentencing
Mr. Taylor was convicted on the following charges:
- Trafficking in Fentanyl (First Degree Felony)
- Tampering with Evidence (Third Degree Felony)
- Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Ordnance (Fifth Degree Felony)
- Gun Specification for possessing a fully automatic firearm during a felony (6 years)
Judge Miller imposed a mandatory minimum sentence of 11 years for the drug trafficking charge due to the large amount of fentanyl involved. The tampering with evidence and weapons charges were sentenced concurrently, but the gun specification was added consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 17 years minimum and up to 22.5 years maximum.
Defendant’s Criminal History
Mr. Taylor has a history of criminal activity, including previous convictions for:
- Receiving Stolen Property (2020)
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon (2021)
- Failing to Appear in Court (2021)
At the time of the incident, Mr. Taylor was on probation for the concealed weapon conviction. While out on bond for this case, he was also arrested and charged with multiple counts, including aggravated murder and robbery, which are still pending trial.
Taylor’s co-defendant Sharone Coleman’s case is still pending trial. Congratulations to Assistant Prosecutors John Gripshover and John Cornely on their successful prosecution of this case.