A New Waterford man who was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for drug crimes is being described as a “predator” by chief assistant Columbiana County Prosecutor Ryan Weikart.

Jason Yates, 42, was sentenced Thursday for aggravated drug trafficking and five counts of drug possession.

Yates was one of 14 co-defendants indicted in connection with a drug-trafficking operation with connections to East Palestine, New Waterford, Columbiana, Salem, and Summit County, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Weikart, who told the court that the investigation began in 2018, said Yates brought drugs from Summit County and used drug addicts to commit his crimes.      

Weikart said Yates received the maximum sentence permitted by law