Jauan Searcy, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2025

A New Castle, Pennsylvania, resident has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for his involvement in a widespread fentanyl trafficking operation. Jauan Searcy, 44, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine between August 2023 and August 2024.

According to information presented to the Court, Searcy was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy that originated in Detroit and had ties to New Castle. He participated in the operation by selling controlled substances to customers in the New Castle area. On August 1, 2024, law enforcement arrested Searcy at his New Castle residence after he was indicted on federal charges. During the arrest, agents found a shotgun next to Searcy's bed. Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff's Office for their investigation and efforts leading to the successful prosecution of Searcy.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a collaborative effort between various federal agencies to eliminate transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.

Jauan Searcy's sentence will be followed by six years of supervised release. The defendant was previously convicted of a felony, and this conviction further exacerbates his situation.

The prosecution of Searcy is a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat the opioid crisis and other violent crimes plaguing communities across the United States.

Mandatory facts: Defendant's full name - Jauan Searcy; exact criminal charges - conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine; city and state - New Castle, Pennsylvania; exact date - August 2023 to August 2024; sentence or outcome - 80 months in prison; supervised release - six years.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/new-castle-felon-sentenced-more-65-years-prison-trafficking-fentanyl-heroin-and