14 More Indicted In Nationwide Drug Ring
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Federal investigators say they have charged more people in an ongoing investigation of a drug ring that spans across the country.
"I would characterize them as important cogs in a multi-state drug distribution ring," said US Attorney David Hickton. "They would be the Pittsburgh connection to this organization that has reach far beyond our state."
Fourteen more people were indicted in a case that brought indictments last October involving the distribution of heroin, crack and cocaine from Los Angeles, Calif. to Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood, often by way of Cleveland, Ohio.
Of the last 14 indictments and arrests, two were still at large Thursday morning: 33-year-old William Blair of New Kensington and 37-year-old James McCray of Pittsburgh.
The federal prosecutor says the whole case, of which these arrests are just a part, has national reach.
"Thanks to a tip from a caller in Minotte, N.D., the FBI was able to locate fugitive Misha Cannon, a courier in this ring, who is responsible for transporting drug proceeds from our area back to California," said Hickton.
The city's police chief says cases like these have an impact on the violence that plagues neighborhoods like Homewood.
"As powerful as this partnership is, we can't do it alone," said Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay. "We desperately require the active engagement with and participation of the people of the City of Pittsburgh."
The FBI says the long-term investigation has led to the indictment of more than 100 people and the seizure of more than $1 million.
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