SCRANTON- A shocking crackdown on drug trafficking has led to the arrest of two Schuylkill County men, Marquese Whitted, 30, and Derek Mountz, 32. The duo faces federal charges for their alleged involvement in a massive conspiracy to distribute heroin and methamphetamine across Schuylkill and Berks Counties.
United States Attorney Bruce D. Brandler revealed that the federal grand jury indicted the suspects on January 17, 2017, for their role in the illegal drug operation that spanned from April to October 2016. According to the indictment, Whitted and Mountz, along with others, plotted to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 100 grams of heroin—equivalent to roughly 4,000 retail bags—within that period.
Whitted faces an additional nine counts related to methamphetamine and/or heroin trafficking. Mountz is charged not only with drug trafficking but also with possession of a firearm in connection with the drug trade. The severity of their charges underscores the gravity of the allegations against them.
The investigation into this case was a joint effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police, and Shenandoah Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa is now handling the prosecution.
This drug trafficking conspiracy is part of a broader initiative aimed at tackling the nation’s heroin epidemic. The Heroin Initiative targets traffickers in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, working with federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend and prosecute those involved in similar offenses.
In addition, this case is also under the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP), an initiative to combat violent crime in Schuylkill County. The partnership involves coordinated efforts by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to protect communities from gun-related violence.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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