Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said that 14 people have been charged in connection with a large-scale drug-trafficking operation that resulted in the seizure of narcotics and firearms in Somerset and Cambria counties.
The charges were filed this week following a months-long investigation by the Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, in coordination with the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and other local law enforcement agencies. Coordinated raids this week apprehended 13 of the accused, while one remains at large.
Authorities asserted that the investigation primarily concentrated on narcotics activities in Somerset County, leading to significant seizures through surveillance operations, controlled purchases, and search warrants. Cambria County saw two additional operations, which were supported by the Cambria County Drug Task Force and municipal police agencies.
Law enforcement officials reported seizing over 20,000 doses of fentanyl, as well as quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and marijuana. Several illegal guns were also seized during the raid.
“Every community has unique circumstances, but there is a common thread law enforcement finds throughout the Commonwealth—drug dealers value dollars over human lives and carry firearms to protect their lucrative trades,” stated the attorney general. He thanked Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar and other agencies for their assistance in the matter.
District Attorney Metzgar praised the statewide collaboration, saying, “I appreciate being able to work with Attorney General Dave Sunday and his office and am thankful for all of the support and resources that he has provided to our county to ensure that this major round-up could be accomplished.”
Charged are Charles Pierce, Meredith Blake, Charlene Morris, Dyane Hickman-Mason, Amber Troutman, Jeremy Barron, Amanda Barclay, David McCormick, Charles Meinhart Jr., Adam Scarlett, Tabatha Hornbaker, Pamela Harold, Courtney Romesburg, and Shari Saler.
The Attorney General’s Office, in collaboration with local police agencies, conducted more than 20 drug-related investigations in Somerset County this year, leading to the arrests.
Unless proven guilty in court, all charges are allegations, and defendants remain presumed innocent.
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