PITTSBURGH, PA - Twelve Western Pennsylvania residents have been charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The eight-count superseding indictment named:
Shawn Hendrix, 42, of Cranberry Township, PA;
Nikia Perkins, 44, of Monaca, PA;
Adrian Jordan, 28, of Braddock, PA;
Leroy George, 49, of Johnstown, PA;
Thomas Hannon, 36, of Aliquippa, PA;
Aleece Bowser, 32, of Monaca, PA;
Ashley Miller, 33, of Aliquippa, PA;
Carlisha Williams, 29, of Aliquippa, PA;
Sheila Alford, 61, of Aliquippa, PA;
Michael Henry, 36, of McKeesport, PA;
Jeremy Fooks, 32, of Pittsburgh, PA; and
Terry Johnson, 34, of McKees Rocks, PA.
According to the superseding indictment, from in and around September 2016, continuing until in and around July 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin. In addition, on various dates during the course of the conspiracy, defendants Shawn Hendrix, Nikia Perkins, Adrian Jordan, Aleece Bowser, Ashley Miller, Carlisha Williams, and Sheila Alford are charged with the crimes of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl or carfentanil, and/or attempts to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Defendant Jeremy Fooks is further charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
For the drug charges, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 and years up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. For the ammunition charge, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of not more than $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF), which targeted a large scale Drug Trafficking Organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny Counties. The GPSSTF is comprised of dedicated law enforcement professionals from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the FBI. The GPSSTF and the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania, would like to recognize the significant contributions made to this investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, United Sates Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township Police Department and the New Brighton Police Department. The Department of Homeland Security Investigators also assisted in the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
This investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
