Christopher Highsmith, Heroin & Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2019

A multi-agency investigation has led to the indictment of 22 Western Pennsylvania residents on charges of narcotics trafficking and firearms violations.

The investigation, which began in January 2018, targeted the Darccide-Smash44 gang, a violent neighborhood gang based out of the Knoxville, Arlington, and Mt. Oliver neighborhoods in the South Side of Pittsburgh.

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over one kilogram of heroin, at least 400 grams of fentanyl, as well as quantities of several fentanyl analogs, cocaine, and cocaine base, commonly known as crack.

The defendants include leaders, members, drug suppliers, and associates of the Darccide-Smash44 gang. Among those indicted are:

• Christopher Highsmith, 27, of Irwin, PA
• David Benson, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Lamont Benton, 24, of McKees Rocks, PA
• Jarrell Dawson, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Perry Freeman, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Lequay Fuller, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Dontae Gilbert, 19, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Brandon Green, 35, Pittsburgh, PA
• Anthony Jetter, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Henry Johnson, 29, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Jonathan Laur, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Trevon McCrary, 25, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Danasia McNeal, 22, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Willie Miller, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Michael Norman, 27, of Venetia, PA
• Devonte Parker, 25, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Jaimone Robinson, 20, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Ronika Somerville, 23, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Theresa Somerville, 50, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Raelynn Stevenson, 30, of West Mifflin, PA
• Ronald Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA
• Martel Yates, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, fentanyl, and other controlled substances, as well as various firearms charges and/or drug trafficking violations. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum total sentence of up to life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000, or both.

The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and involved multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, Allegheny County Police Department, and others.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/22-western-pa-residents-indicted-drug-and-firearms-charges-associated-violent-south