Seven people were arrested on Tuesday following a five-month investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Carbon and Schuylkill counties, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday revealed. The network, associated with the Second Street gang in Allentown, allegedly distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana across multiple counties.
The arrests came after a series of coordinated raids on October 17 targeting properties associated with Cruz “June” Rodriguez, 31, of New Philadelphia, and his girlfriend, Elijah Marie Camacho, 29. Rodriguez was identified as the operation’s ringleader and is charged with 23 felonies relating to narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
“Taking drug dealers off the streets continues to be a top priority of my office,” said Attorney General Sunday. “Firearms and drug trafficking is a deadly mix that has led to violence across the Commonwealth.”
During the raids, authorities seized more than 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 8 ounces of fentanyl, 130 grams of marijuana, 76 grams of synthetic marijuana, 30 grams of cocaine, and 281 ecstasy pills. A stolen 9mm handgun was also found in the trunk of Rodriguez’s vehicle.
According to the inquiry, Rodriguez supplied substantial quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from various sources in Pennsylvania and New York. He allegedly served as a wholesale distributor for several dealers in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.
According to court documents, Rodriguez admitted to brokering large-scale fentanyl exchanges for cocaine, which he subsequently dispersed through his network. The drugs were “fronted” to lower-level dealers, which means they received the narcotics first and paid him back later with sales revenues.
Among those charged were:
- Cruz “June” Rodriguez, 31 – New Philadelphia (alleged leader)
- Elijah Marie Camacho, 29 – New Philadelphia
- Justin Paul Heacock, 39 – Coaldale
- Jose Nieves-Feliciano, 45 – Coaldale
- Christopher Hazlett, 58 – Lansford
- Kayla Marie Evert, 31 – Lansford
- William Todd Carter, 41 – Lansford
According to investigators, Camacho frequently served as Rodriguez’s driver, assisting with drug deliveries and collecting cash. Evert worked as a runner, transporting drugs for other distributors, including Hazlett and Heacock.
“Rodriguez was a ruthless leader who controlled his co-conspirators through fear and intimidation,” Sunday said. “Those in his network feared failing or going against him.”
Rodriguez is charged with various felonies, including corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver, delivery of controlled narcotics, criminal conspiracy, and dealing in illegal gains.
His co-defendants are charged with felony charges of narcotics distribution, conspiracy, and using communication devices for drug trafficking.
- Camacho: Corrupt organizations, conspiracy, and possession with intent to deliver
- Heacock: Corrupt organizations, dealing in unlawful proceeds, and criminal use of a communication facility
- Hazlett: Corrupt organizations and delivery of a controlled substance
- Carter: Three counts of delivery and three counts of criminal use of a communication facility
- Evert: Delivery, conspiracy, and dealing in unlawful proceeds
- Nieves-Feliciano: Corrupt organizations, delivery, and conspiracy
All seven were arraigned on Thursday before District Judge Beth A. Dodson. Bail ranged from $20,000 to $500,000. Several suspects, including Rodriguez, Carter, and Nieves-Feliciano, were remanded to Carbon County Jail. Others, including Camacho and Evert, have since posted bail.
At a press conference, Attorney General Sunday underscored the catastrophic impact of fentanyl and the importance of continuous enforcement actions.
“Two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal,” Sunday explained. “The amount seized in this operation represents over 112,000 potential deadly doses. This investigation likely saved countless lives.”
Officials said the seizure reflects increased worry about inter-county narcotics networks linked to urban gangs like Allentown’s Second Street gang. These groups have been recognized as important suppliers of opioids to smaller Pennsylvania municipalities.
The investigation is part of a larger attempt by Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General to dismantle organized crime and drug trafficking networks throughout the state. Recently, state and federal agencies have strengthened collaboration to target fentanyl pipelines, particularly those connected to New York and Pennsylvania distribution hubs.
Legal experts point out that “corrupt organization” allegations carry additional penalties comparable to federal RICO offenses, allowing prosecutors to seek harsher sentences against ringleaders such as Rodriguez.
Attorney General Sunday stated that the case is still “active and ongoing,” with detectives working to track supply networks and identify further participants. The preliminary hearing for all seven defendants is set for November 5 before Judge Dodson in Carbon County Court.
Prosecutors will present digital evidence, surveillance data, and witness testimony to determine whether the case will go to trial at the Carbon County Court of Common Pleas.
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