Fourteen Charged with Violating Federal Gun and Drug Laws

PITTSBURGH—Fourteen people from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearm laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The eight-count superseding indictment, returned on January 8, charges Neil Thomas, 29; Marcus Battles, 27; Luis Colon, 30; Gabriel Garcia, 25; Christopher Greene, 30; Stephanie Goehring, 27; Ryan Hutchinson, 28; William Krszal, 23; Phillip Lacher, 26; Colin Mitchell, 28; Dustin Petry, 26; Kailen Young, 28; David Wallace, 32; and Marc Perkins, 33, as the defendants.

According to the superseding indictment, between January 2013 and October 2013, the defendants (except for Krszal, Lacher, Wallace, and Perkins) conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; Garcia, Petry, and Thomas possessed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and distributed heroin or possessed heroin with intent to distribute it; and Thomas, Greene, Krszal, Lacher, Wallace, and Perkins conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (also known as MDMA or “molly”) and methamphetamine. The indictment seeks forfeiture of the proceeds of the crimes, as well as property acquired with the proceeds and property used to commit the crimes.

The law provides for maximum total sentences ranging from up to 20 years to up to life in prison as well as mandatory minimum sentences starting at five years in prison. Fines ranging from $1,000,000 to up to $10,000,000 may also be imposed. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office led the multi-agency investigation of this case that also included the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Moon Township Police Department; the North Fayette Police Department; the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police; the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; the McKees Rocks Police Department; the Cranberry Township Police Department; the McKeesport Police Department; and the Wilkinsburg Police Department.

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