State v. Shalash (Slip Opinion)

Background

{¶ 1} In May 2012, appellant, Hamza M. Shalash, was indicted on eight counts of aggravated trafficking in drugs and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity for transactions during 2011 and through February 2012. Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 involved the sale or offer of sale, in violation of R.C. 2925.03(A)(1), of a “controlled substance analog, a Schedule I controlled substance, as defined in R.C. Section 3719.01(HH)(1)Counts 4, 5, and 8 involved the preparation for shipment or delivery of a controlled-substance analog, as defined in R.C. 3719.01(HH)(1), in violation of…