26 arrested, including local, in task force investigation

ERIE, Pa. (WKBN) — An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation has led to charges against a total of 26 defendants across nine separate but related indictments for violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws.

United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the charges in a Thursday release from the Department of Justice after the indictments were unsealed Wednesday.

The indictments charge a network of overlapping regional drug dealers based out of Erie,
Pennsylvania. Charges relate to trafficking multi-kilogram quantities of fentanyl powder and pills, as well as substantial quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine.

During this long-term wiretap investigation, several firearms were seized from drug distributors who were prohibited from possessing firearms or possessed the firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking, according to the DOJ.

Investigators also seized multiple Glock conversion devices—commonly referred to as “Glock switches”—which are designed to convert a semiautomatic Glock pistol into an automatic machinegun, the department stated.

The indictments include:

• An 11-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging 14 defendants with
  obtaining and redistributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in and around Erie County and other areas of the Western District of Pennsylvania.
• A two-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging four defendants with
  conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute varying quantities of fentanyl
  and methamphetamine.
• A one-count indictment returned on Sept. 10, charging two defendants with
  conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and
  substance containing cocaine.
• Six additional one-defendant indictments charging one to three offenses involving drugs,
  firearms or both. These indictments were returned between July 30 and Sept. 10.

Darrian Brooks, 35, of Farrell was named a defendant on the following charges:

1. Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment.
2. Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Maximum penalty: 15 years imprisonment.
3. Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment.

The majority of the 26 defendants are from Erie.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the U.S.

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