Thomas K. Lighthill, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2013

Johnstown, Pennsylvania Residents Charged in Heroin Trafficking Ring

Six residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties have been indicted on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, announced United States Attorney David J. Hickton today.

The seven-count indictment names Thomas K. Lighthill, 44, of Northern Cambria, Pa., Deborah L. Lute, 34, of Carrolltown, Pa., Douglas A. Lydic, 29, of Commodore, Pa., Tiffany N. White, 24, of Indiana, Pa., William S. Rounsley, 21, of Carrolltown, Pa., and Casey Lex, 28, of Northern Cambria, Pa., as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and on separate occasions during that time period Lydic, White, Rounsley and Lex each distributed less than 100 grams of heroin. In addition, on March 8, 2013, Lute and Rounsley possessed less than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute it, and Lute possessed two Hi-Point pistols in furtherance of the drug trafficking.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Lighthill of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both; for Lute of life in prison, a fine of $6,250,000 or both; for Lydic, White and Lex of 60 years in prison, a fine of $6,000,000, or both; and for Rounsley of 80 years in prison, a fine of $7,000,000, or both.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lighthill, Lute, Lydic, White, Rounsley and Lex.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/six-charged-heroin-trafficking-ring