PITTSBURGH, PA – The streets of southwestern Pennsylvania just got a little less saturated with poison. A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh today unsealed a trio of indictments naming a staggering 33 individuals allegedly involved in large-scale narcotics trafficking. U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced the charges, sending a clear message: move the drugs, and we’re coming for you.
The first indictment is a sprawling web of conspiracy, ensnaring 25 defendants accused of moving significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack. The list reads like a who’s who of Pittsburgh’s underworld: Howard McFadden, 29, of Turtle Creek, PA; James Wells, 31, of Braddock, PA; Donald Singleton, 47, of Pittsburgh, PA; Richard Coto-Wheat, 26, of Duquesne, PA; Jaymare Jackson, 29, of Braddock, PA; Dorian Boyd, 24, of Braddock, PA; Delbert Pate, 26, of Duquesne, PA; Michael Rose, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA; Reginald Brown, 29, of East Pittsburgh, PA; Kreg Williams, 29, of Duquesne, PA; Keenan Williams, 21, of Duquesne, PA; Rand Wolford, 31, of Braddock, PA; Marcel Sewell, 58, of Braddock, PA; Talen Holmes, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA; Rodney Dennard, 51, of Pittsburgh, PA; Bernard Wilkins, 56, of Irwin, PA; William Kalna, 50, of West Newton, PA; Justin Law, 30, of Wilkinsburg, PA; Tyrone Roilton, 28, of Braddock, PA; Lisamarie Ross, 35, of New Alexandria, PA; Travis Moore, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA; Thomas Dwyer, 42, of Homestead, PA; Gregory Luptak, 51, of North Huntington, PA; Paula DeBaker, 55, of Braddock, PA; and Philip Matey, 53, of North Braddock, PA. They allegedly conspired to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine, and 280 grams of crack between August 2018 and May 2019.
The feds aren’t just after the drugs themselves. They’re going after the profits. The indictment seeks forfeiture of a Jeep Grand Cherokee linked to McFadden and a GMC Sierra connected to Singleton. But the net tightens further for Michael Rose. Not only is he accused of possessing heroin, cocaine, and crack on April 15, 2019, but as a convicted felon, he’s also facing charges for possessing a firearm. Authorities are looking to seize $892.00 and a Glock 19x pistol (serial number BHWU068) associated with him.
The second indictment focuses on a smaller group: Chadlin Leavy, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA (also named in the third indictment); Marvin Porter, 48, of Allison Park, PA; Damien Franklin, 26, of Verona, PA; and Larry Dandridge, 24, of Monroeville, PA. They allegedly conspired to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin and 500 grams of cocaine between April and May of 2019. The government is pursuing forfeiture of a Mercedes Benz S5A linked to Leavy.
Finally, the third indictment reveals a significant marijuana operation. Eric Vanderslice, 39, of Phoenixville, PA; Wayne Barker, 61, of West Mifflin, PA; William Barker, 63, of Upper St. Clair, PA; Jared Eck, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Chadlin Leavy, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA (again) are accused of conspiring to distribute and possess over 100 kilograms of marijuana between April and May 2019. On May 24, 2019, the Barkers and Vanderslice are alleged to have distributed and possessed with intent to distribute.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the poison flooding our streets and the violence it breeds. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth about the criminal networks operating in southwestern Pennsylvania. Expect more arrests, more seizures, and hopefully, a little more peace of mind for those living in these neighborhoods. This investigation is ongoing.
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- Tarver Network Indicted: Drugs Flood Youngstown, Akron, Columbus · South Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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