17 Charged in Blair County Drug Sweep

Seventeen suspected drug dealers are facing charges in Blair County after a sweeping takedown led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The arrests, carried out in coordination with the Blair County Drug Task Force and multiple law enforcement agencies, mark the seventh major drug sweep in the region since Shapiro took office 15 months ago. Heroin, cocaine, oxycodone, and Suboxone—used to treat opioid addiction—were all tied to the suspects’ alleged operations.

Among those charged: Erica Riley, 32, of Altoona; Jason Weyandt, 43, from Imler; Autumn Koch, 40; Katy Beam, 35; Daniel Hogans IV, 42; Tara Dennis, 28; Brandi Rupert, 27; Jeremy Abram, 26; Deborah Beckwith, 66; Trisha Gregorchik; Matthew Rajnish; Lynann Shaffer, 58; Knowledge Jones; Theodore Toney; Alicia Pecze, 31, of Mineral Point; Brock Bantum, 42, from Philadelphia; and Michael Flemmings-Smith, 29, of Johnstown. Flemmings-Smith remains at large.

The investigation spanned a full year, involving undercover buys, surveillance, and coordination between the Office of Attorney General, Blair County Sheriff’s Department, Altoona Police, Pennsylvania State Police, State Parole, and Operation Our Town. Authorities say the defendants sold heroin and illegally trafficked prescription medications on the streets of Altoona and surrounding areas, fueling the ongoing opioid crisis.

“We’ve arrested more than 200 drug dealers in this region since I took office,” Shapiro declared at a press conference in Harrisburg. “After the first sweep, I promised we’d keep coming back. We’re keeping that promise.” His office has averaged nearly five drug dealer arrests per day statewide since he assumed office.

Shapiro’s broader anti-opioid strategy includes a 72% increase in arrests of medical personnel diverting prescription drugs, the destruction of over 56 tons of seized narcotics, and the distribution of 300,000 drug disposal pouches across 17 counties. His office is also part of a 41-state attorney general coalition investigating pharmaceutical companies’ role in the epidemic.

Residents with information on drug activity in Blair County are urged to call the Operation Our Town “Push Out the Pusher” hotline at 814-693-3020. Authorities warn that while this sweep is significant, the battle against the drug trade in central Pennsylvania is far from over.

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RELATED: 35 Drug Dealers Busted in Blair County Heroin Siege