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Heroin Traffickers Busted in Pennsylvania
In a concerted effort to combat the heroin epidemic, federal authorities in Pennsylvania have brought charges against three men accused of involvement in heroin distribution.
Curtis Mitchell, 37, of Harrisburg, is facing charges for the sale of heroin and possession of a short-barreled shotgun. According to U.S. Attorney Peter Smith, Mitchell was arrested on November 16, 2015, after police observed him allegedly selling heroin out of his home. During a search of his residence, officers found a short-barreled shotgun under Mitchell’s mattress, which is a violation of the Federal Firearms Act. As a convicted felon, Mitchell is prohibited from possessing any firearm.
Police had previously observed Mitchell allegedly selling heroin out of his home, leading to a search warrant being executed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Harrisburg Police Department investigated the matter, which carries a maximum penalty of up to life in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Eddie Viera, 42, of Shippensburg, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin. Viera was arrested on February 15, 2016, after a high-speed pursuit by the Pennsylvania State Police. During the chase, Troopers found over 950 individual packets of heroin that Viera allegedly threw out the window of his car. Viera was already the subject of an arrest warrant after members of the Franklin County Drug Task Force observed him allegedly distributing heroin and found over 70 individual packets of heroin in his apartment in December 2014.
The investigation into Viera’s activities was a collaborative effort between the Franklin County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Brandon Brooks, 26, of York, is charged with possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Brooks was stopped by West York Police for driving under the influence on November 27, 2015. During the arrest, officers found 9 bundles, or 90 individual packets, of heroin on Brooks.
The investigation into Brooks’ activities was a joint effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West York Police Department, and the York County District Attorney’s Office. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to 30 years in prison, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott R. Ford is prosecuting all three cases as part of a district-wide initiative to combat the heroin epidemic. The heroin initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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