Two Charged in Heroin Trafficking Scheme

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Johnstown and Philadelphia, Pa., were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The six-count indictment named as defendants Ava Blackwell, 24, of Solomon Homes, Johnstown, Pa. and Kareem Jamal Jones, 27, of Philadelphia, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Aug. 25, 2016, through Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell and Jones conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin. On each of the dates of Aug. 25, Aug. 29 and Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell distributed less than 100 grams of heroin; on Sept. 7, 2016, Jones distributed less than 100 grams of heroin; and on Sept. 14, 2016, Blackwell and Jones possessed with the intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Ava Blackwell of 100 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both, and for Kareem Jamal Jones, of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Blackwell and Jones.

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