DOJ: Seven arrested for fentanyl robbery gang resulting in four deaths

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police report seven people have been charged as part of a “fentanyl robbery gang” that resulted in four deaths.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a group of people that law enforcement dubbed the “Fentanyl Robbery Gang (F.R.G)” used dating websites to connect with people interested in hiring prostitutes.

Law enforcement believes the gang lured unsuspecting men into meeting a woman for a “date,” by using dating apps such as “Plenty of Fish” and “MeetMe.”

Investigators stated the victim would be offered drugs, usually cocaine. However, unbeknownst to the victim, the narcotics contained fentanyl.

If the victim refused the drugs, members of the gang would forcibly administer the fentanyl-laced drug into the victim’s body, officials noted.

The following seven people have been charged as a result of the investigation;

• Amanda Marie Correa, 29
• Christine Deann DiCarlo, 50
• Dylan Wilson Small, 35
• Samual Jordan, 42
• Robert Andrew Barnes, 24
• Shaqare Jaymont Blackwell, 23
• Shakur Serafin Brownstein, 27

Authorities say Correa is believed to be the leader of F.R.G. and would orchestrate the “dates” while DiCarlo would be on the “dates” and would show up with Correa.

During the “dates” or sex acts, F.R.G. would rob them of guns, cash, phones, identification documents, debit and credit cards, drugs, and other items of value, as stated in the release.

In one instance, when a victim did not comply with commands, they were kidnapped at gunpoint and driven across multiple counties to the victim’s home where the gang members intended to rob him of his belongings, as stated in the press conference.

Detectives report four people have died as a result of overdosing on fentanyl. Three deaths occurred in Berks and Luzerne County while one death was in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

So far police say over 50 victims have been identified from the following areas;

• Pennsylvania
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New Hamshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Virginia

The seven have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious bodily injury, kidnapping, aggravated identity theft, and other related offenses.

This is an ongoing investigation and law enforcement is continuing to identify and arrest additional members of F.R.G. and identify victims of the crime.

Victims and others with information concerning F.R.G. are asked to contact the FBI at 570-344-2404.

You can watch the full press conference in the video block below.

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