PITTSBURGH – A stunning reversal of roles as David Francis, a drug rehab counselor from McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, finds himself at the center of a federal investigation into heroin trafficking. The 66-year-old, known for his work with Next Step Recovery Housing in McKees Rocks, has been charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury; distribution of fentanyl; and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
The charges, detailed in a six-count superseding indictment returned under seal on February 28, also name William Rosario, 23, and Jose Ortega, 31, both residents of New York City. The trio is accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin from November 2016 through February 2017.
Francis’s actions are said to have resulted in serious bodily injury on June 23, 2017, when he distributed heroin that caused harm to a user. Further allegations claim Francis distributed fentanyl, which also caused serious bodily injury to users, on September 18, 2017. The indictment also charges Francis with the distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl on separate dates in 2017.
Under federal law, Francis faces a maximum sentence of not less than 20 years in prison and up to life, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Rosario and Ortega could face a minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years, as well as the same fines. Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is leading the prosecution against the accused.
The investigation that led to the superseding indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Monroeville Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Ingram Borough Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Monaca Police Department. As with all criminal charges, a defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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