Fourteen Arrested in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Scheme

JOHNSTOWN, PA—Fourteen people have been arrested in a large-scale drug trafficking scheme operating in Cambria County, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The following individuals were arrested and charged with drug conspiracy charges relating to marijuana and cocaine: George M. Lowmaster; Gerald G. Lowmaster; Marguerite G. Lowmaster; Rodney Lowmaster; Joshua Bradley; Anthony T. Digirolamo; Timothy Golby; Cory L. Giles; Jorge M. Harkleroad; Christopher J. Jolly; Brian V. Knee; Stephen D. Lamont; Robert G. Mezzelo; and Joshua Thomas.

Giles and Knee were arrested by FBI agents in the District of Oregon and appeared in federal court this afternoon. The government is seeking detention of these defendants pending transfer to the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The remaining defendants made their initial appearances today in federal court in Johnstown. Pending trial, the government is seeking the detention of George Lowmaster, Gerald Lowmaster, Rodney Lowmaster, and Joshua Thomas. Detention hearings are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2011.

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

A joint task force, headed by the FBI, is investigating this ongoing case. Other agencies participating on the task force include the IRS - Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; and the Portage Police Department.