Chauncy's managers face drug charges

A day after Allegheny County authorities closed Chauncy's nightclub, federal prosecutors announced an indictment Wednesday accusing club managers of operating a multistate heroin ring.

Federal authorities say Vernon Jackson used the Station Square establishment as a base for operating the ring. The Nov. 18 grand jury indictment names Jackson and seven other people as part of the a conspiracy to violate federal drug laws.

The one-count indictment calls Jackson, 36, of Oakville Drive, West End, and Duane Moore, 33, of Pierce Street, Shadyside, the ringleaders of the group, which brought raw heroin from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, for packaging and distribution.

Jackson and Moore also helped to run Chauncy's.

Federal agents had Jackson under surveillance as he traveled to the Northway Mall, obtained a package, and dropped the package off at 302 Boggs Ave. in Oakland, according to an affidavit filed by Special Agent Brett Pritts with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Authorities say they believe the package contained heroin.

A search of the Boggs Avenue residence uncovered thousands of stamp bags of heroin, unpackaged heroin on a table, and a collection of drug paraphernalia, according to Pritts.

Also named in the indictment are Freddie Chew, 23, of Seward Street, Duquesne Heights; Jacqulyn Jackson, 25, of Oakville Drive, West End; William Payne, 35, of Joe Hammer Square, Oakland; Khalid Burris, 25, of East Orange, N.J.; Nadirah Haden, 21, of Linden, N.J.; and Geoffrey Jones, 23, of Elizabeth, N.J.

Authorities believe Burris acted as the ring's supplier from New Jersey, that Jones was a courier who brought the heroin to Pittsburgh, and Chew and Payne were distributors.

Vernon Jackson, Chew and Jones are in federal custody. Haden and Burris were arrested Tuesday in New Jersey and will be transported to Pittsburgh. Jacqulyn Jackson was arrested Tuesday in Pittsburgh and released on bond.

Moore and Payne are fugitives.

If convicted, each member of the group faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. Jackson, Payne and Moore all have criminal records, according to the FBI affidavit.

An Allegheny County judge ordered Chauncy's temporarily closed Tuesday. A hearing to determine the club's future will be held Nov. 30.