The United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that United States District Court Chief Judge Christopher C. Conner imposed a 147 month-sentence (12 years, 3 months)on Azim W. Showell, age 25, of Harrisburg, for trafficking heroin and cocaine, as well as trading drugs for firearms.
According to United States Attorney Peter Smith, Showell was the leader of a group of drug traffickers who brought heroin and cocaine from Harrisburg to State College, where motel and hotel rooms they distributed drugs throughout the region. According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, many of the customers had also burglarized homes and stole firearms, which they traded to the group for drugs. Many of the firearms were ultimately brought to Harrisburg.
In February 2012, police arrested Fareed Ray and other conspirators, who were in possession of stolen firearms and cocaine. That same month, Fairview Township Police stopped Showell in a rental car. In the trunk of the car, police found two stolen firearms, $10,000 in cash, and bundles of heroin packaged for sale.
In May 2014, Showell and Fareed Ray went on trial before a federal jury in Harrisburg. Police, co-defendants, drug users, and victims of the home break-ins testified during the four-day trial. The jury convicted both Showell and Ray of all ten counts of drug trafficking, conspiracy, and firearms offenses.
In May 2014, co-defendant Darrin Matthis was sentenced to 37 months in prison. In June 2014, co-defendant Josh Breon was sentenced 22 months in prison. In July 2014, co-defendant Dawan Maynard was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Fareed Ray is not yet scheduled for sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Police. Prosecution is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Consiglio.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
