A major multi-state drug operation involving 19 individuals from western Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio has been unveiled by federal prosecutors. The announcement was made recently.
On August 1, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of PA released a one-count indictment charging all 19 individuals with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 100 grams or more of heroin, and a quantity of oxycodone between August 2023 and July 2024.
According to prosecutors, the drug operation had its base in Detroit, MI and New Castle, PA. The operation involved multiple runners who frequently made trips between the two cities and brought in drugs from various parts of the country.
In March 2024, authorities initiated an investigation of a certain organization following the apprehension of one of its members, Christian Frierson, a 33-year-old resident of Detroit. Frierson was caught driving back from California near Omaha, Nebraska with a safe that contained 1,000 grams of fentanyl and almost 250 grams of heroin.
Upon his release, prosecutors revealed that they had utilized wiretaps, informants, controlled purchases, and other tactics to gather evidence against the organization. Their investigation had uncovered that the group had been recruiting individuals from Detroit to oversee drug “trap houses” in New Castle.
“We at the FBI, along with our partners, are committed to preventing the spread of illegal drugs and guns in our communities,” stated Kevin Rojek, the Special Agent in Charge of FBI Pittsburgh. “Today’s operation, which spanned multiple states and jurisdictions, is a testament to our unwavering dedication to this cause. To those who seek to profit from such criminal activities, we send a clear message: we will not tolerate the harm you bring to our neighborhoods.”
Nineteen individuals are listed below:
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- Christian Frierson, 33, Detroit, MI
- Devail Adams, 54, Oak Park, MI
- Christopher Barton, 24, New Castle, PA
- Patrick Brown, 32, Detroit, MI
- Roy Brown, 55, Westland, MI
- Frank Christian, 51, Youngstown, OH
- Tyrone Davis, 35, Detroit, MI
- Edward Dietrich, 29, New Castle, PA
- Alexis Donnell, 55, New Castle, PA
- Dedric Higginbotham, 55, Detroit, MI
- Kiara Jones, 24, New Castle, PA
- Quinten Jones, 38, Detroit, MI
- Kenneth King, 37, New Castle, PA
- Jermain Lett, 52, Detroit, MI
- Marcus Mason, 32, New Castle, PA
- Daniel Rasnick, 27, New Castle, PA
- Kendra Sager, 32, New Castle, PA
- Jauan Searcy, 42, New Castle, PA
- George Wyatt, 62, New Castle, PA
If the defendants are found guilty, they could face imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life, as well as a fine of up to $10 million. The severity of each person’s offense and any previous criminal history will be considered when determining the actual sentence.
