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Violent Neighborhood Gang Known as ‘The Hazelwood Mob’ Dismantled
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has returned two separate, but related, Indictments following a four-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in and around the Hazelwood neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
The Indictments charge 25 residents of Western Pennsylvania with narcotics trafficking and firearms violations, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kaufman said, ‘Years ago Hazelwood thrived along with the steel industry. But with its fortunes tied to the steel industry, it also underwent a decline. Now is it being revitalized, and incapacitating the Hazelwood Mob will lead to a safer community.’
The named conspirators include leaders, members, drug suppliers, and associates of a violent neighborhood gang known as the ‘Hazelwood Mob’ or the ‘Down Low Gang’ based out of the Hazelwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
The Indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute at least 400 grams of fentanyl, 280 grams of crack cocaine, and quantities of heroin and fluorofentanyl from August 2019 through August 2021.
The Indictment further alleges individual drug trafficking charges against Joshua Yarbough, Asia Andrews, Taemon Johnson, Lawrence Strothers, Sr., and Jemeal Youngblood. The Indictment also includes the allegation that Joshua Yarbough discharged a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in connection with a shooting that occurred on June 13, 2021 and that he possessed ammunition after having been convicted of several crimes punishable by more than a year in prison.
For all defendants charged in the first Indictment, the law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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