A federal grand jury has indicted twelve individuals from the Pittsburgh area on charges related to narcotics and firearms offenses, as announced today by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
The defendants, identified as members and associates of the Zhoove street gang, are accused of participating in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl in Pittsburgh neighborhoods from March to July 2024. Two defendants, Antonio Arrington and Curtis Williams, are facing additional charges for possession of firearms as convicted felons.
Three related defendants, Morisee Williams, Syere Franklin, and Charles Stephens, were also indicted for being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition. Additionally, Oneal Olive was arrested during a search warrant execution and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
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U.S. Attorney Olshan emphasized the commitment to protecting communities from the dangers of drugs and guns, while FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek stressed the continued efforts to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of the community.
The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking conspiracy and up to 15 years for felon-in-possession charges, with fines reaching $1 million and $250,000 respectively. The actual sentences will be determined based on the severity of the offenses and prior criminal history.
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This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which aims to dismantle high-level criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are leading the prosecution, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
The 12 defendants are Cody Duncan, 33, of Verona; Ronell Cathie, 30, of Pittsburgh; Melvin Gaines, 29, of Oakmont; Curtis Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh; Malik Martinez, 27, of Pittsburgh; Cayce Williams, 22, of Pittsburgh; Devaughn Faulk, 27, of Pittsburgh; and Antonio Arrington, 22, of Pittsburgh.
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