12 from Western Pa. indicted, charged with being part of drug ring

Twelve people have been indicted by a federal grand jury, charged with being part of a drug distribution ring.

According to prosecutors, from about September 2016 and continuing to about 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.

According to U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady, those charged are:

Shawn Hendrix, 42, of Cranberry

Nikia Perkins, 44, of Monaca

Adrian Jordan, 28, of Braddock

Leroy George, 49, of Johnstown

Thomas Hannon, 36, of Aliquippa

Aleece Bowser, 32, of Monaca

Ashley Miller, 33, of Aliquippa

Carlisha Williams, 29, of Aliquippa

Sheila Alford, 61, of Aliquippa

Michael Henry, 36, of McKeesport

Jeremy Fooks, 32, of Pittsburgh

Terry Johnson, 34, of McKees Rocks

Prosecutors said Hendrix, Perkins, Jordan, Bowser, Miller, Williams and Alford are charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl or carfentanyl, and/or attempts to possess fentanyl with the intent to sell it.

Fooks is further charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case.

This prosecution is part of a long-term investigation by the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, which targeted what it called a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in Butler, Beaver and Allegheny counties.

Assisting were officers from the Wilkinsburg Police Department, state Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, Allegheny County sheriff’s deputies and county police officers and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Also contributing to the case were state police, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Cranberry Township and New Brighton police.

Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Chuck at 724-226-4711, cbiedka@tribweb.com or via Twitter @ChuckBiedka.