RAVENNA − A Stark County man will spend several years in prison after authorities found cocaine in his vehicle during a 2025 traffic stop in Portage County.
Judge Laurie J. Pittman sentenced 27-year-old Michael Alexander Lewis of Lake Township to three to 4½ years in prison during his April 20 sentencing in Portage County Common Pleas Court.
Pittman also imposed a $7,500 fine and $326 in court costs. She ordered the forfeiture of a 2007 Saturn Vue and $20 found in Lewis’ possession.
According to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy stopped Lewis’ SUV on May 31, 2025, for improper license plate display and a cracked windshield on Mogadore Road at State Route 261 in Kent.
Lewis, the driver and sole occupant, exited the vehicle after telling the deputy he owned a firearm but did not have it with him. Deputies then discovered a digital scale with suspected cocaine residue and two loaded firearm magazines.
When deputies asked if anything illegal was in the vehicle, Lewis admitted there was cocaine. During a search, deputies found 17 small bags containing a total of 82 grams—nearly 3 ounces—of a substance that field-tested positive as cocaine. They also reported finding a $20 bill with suspected cocaine residue on Lewis.
Lewis said he obtained the cocaine in Massillon and was holding it for a friend.
His attorney, Justin Weatherly, asked Pittman for a lighter sentence, stating that Lewis struggles with drug addiction and had been manipulated by others. He said Lewis is “remorseful” and has been receiving treatment.
“I generally consider these cases to be pretty tragic,” said Weatherly.
Prosecutor Kevin Mayer did not oppose the request, noting that Lewis has no prior criminal record.
Lewis expressed regret for his actions.
“I know I did something heinous that affected my family,” he said, adding, “I have done nothing but reflect on my actions.”
Pittman told Lewis she could have sentenced him to as much as 11 to 16½ years but considered his age, lack of criminal history, and cooperation.
“Hopefully you’ll come out better on the other side,” she said.
Lewis pleaded guilty in January to first-degree felony trafficking in cocaine and fifth-degree felony possession of criminal tools.
As part of a plea agreement, authorities dismissed charges of first-degree felony possession of cocaine and a first-degree misdemeanor count of receiving proceeds derived from an offense subject to forfeiture proceedings.
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