Man involved in standoff to be sentenced on drug trafficking charges

The man involved in a four-hour standoff in Painesville Oct. 21 is set to be sentenced on drug trafficking charges.

Otis Miller, 42, will find out his punishment Oct. 29 when he goes before Lake County Common Pleas Court Judge Vincent A. Culotta. Miller previously pleaded guilty to first-degree felony

cocaine trafficking and second-degree felony aggravated trafficking in drugs (methamphetamines).

The charges stem from a drug bust in Painesville last November. The Lake County Narcotics Agency, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Painesville and Mentor police departments executed a search warrant at the address Nov. 15 after receiving multiple complaints of drug activity.

According to the Narcotics Agency, officers located and seized large quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine,

crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription pills.The officers also seized a vehicle, cash, drug paraphernalia and two firearms. Miller was also arrested.

Lake County Narcotics Agency Director David Frisone told The NewsHerald it was one of their biggest busts of the year.

The Lake County Grand Jury issued a 14-count indictment against Miller in April.

Miller was out on bond while awaiting sentencing.

However, he violated terms by testing positive for drugs and a warrant was issued for his arrest Oct. 12.

Painesville police received a tip that Miller was staying at a home on West Eagle Street. Police went to the home Oct. 21, but his girlfriend allegedly told police he was afraid to come out.

Painesville police tried to talk to him, but got no response. After about an hour, and with Miller’s history of gun possession, the decision was made to contact SWAT.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Frank Leonbruno said a limited number of SWAT members responded to the scene

along with an armored vehicle.

The team tried for about another 2 ½ hours to contact Miller, who had a cell phone inside the home, but he did not respond.

Leonbruno said the decision was made to enter the home. First they deployed tear gas in an effort to see if he would come out. That was also unsuccessful and SWAT members entered and found Miller hiding in a cubby hole in the stairwell behind a false wall.

He surrendered and was taken into custody.

Miller was arraigned on second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest Oct. 22 in Painesville Municipal Court.

Miller