Jarran Bell, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2015

A massive heroin trafficking operation in western Pennsylvania has been dismantled, with the mastermind behind the operation taking a guilty plea in federal court. Jarran Bell, 38, formerly of Port Vue, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, utilized Title III intercepts from December 2014 through April 2015 of several different cellular telephones, surveillance, controlled drug purchases, and other investigative techniques. The probe established the existence of a number of overlapping and interrelated drug distribution networks at work in the Western District of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Bell and his girlfriend, Krystle Barretto, were living together during the investigation. They maintained numerous other residences, which were used as stash houses. Amanda Santiago lived in one of those residences during the investigative period.

On April 19, 2015, Bell and Barretto orchestrated two large shipments of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey, back to the McKeesport/Port Vue area. A courier, Amanda Santiago, transported approximately 500 bricks of heroin from Patterson, New Jersey back to McKeesport via taxi cab.

On April 20, 2015, several search warrants were conducted. One of the search warrants took place at the primary residence of Bell and Barretto. Agents seized a loaded firearm, approximately five bricks of heroin, and a money counter from the master bedroom of Bell and Barretto. The loaded gun was located in a dresser drawer along with the five bricks of heroin. Barretto was the lawful owner of the firearm.

Judge Cathy Bissoon scheduled sentencing for September 11, 2019. Bell is currently detained pending sentencing. The law provides for a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years to a maximum of life. A fine not to exceed $20,000,000, or both.

Amanda Santiago pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 2 ½ years (30 months) in prison. Krystle Barretto pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 19, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/former-port-vue-man-orchestrated-2-large-shipments-heroin-patterson-new-jersey