Four Canton men were sentenced to prison this week for their involvement in a drug-trafficking ring in which cocaine, heroin and crack cocaine was brought into Stark County and distributed by members of the Rated R street gang.

Mike Tobin of the U.S. Attorney's Office For Northern Ohio says 29-year old Jasmine Watkins, and 26 year old Virgil Hill were sentenced to 20 years in prison. 32-year old Cordrick Owens, 32, was handed a 12 year, 7 month prison sentence , and 25-year old Jerry Gordon, was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

All four previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin). Watkins also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be served concurrently to his 20-year sentence.

“This group is well known to law enforcement for causing serious trouble throughout Canton..“These prison sentences will eliminate some of the worst of the worst offenders in Stark County.  U.S. Attorney For Northern Ohio Stephen Dettelbach said.

Stephen Anthony,of the Cleveland FBI Office said  “These four sentences wrap up another phase of law enforcements efforts to dismantle drug trafficking groups in our area. The FBI will continue to work side by side with our law enforcement partners to make Canton neighborhoods a safer place to live.”

Five others were indicted on federal charges last month for their role in the conspiracy. Seventeen people have now been sentenced to prison as a result of the lengthy investigation.