13 Charged in Alleged Drug and Gun Trafficking Ring in Northwest Pennsylvania

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HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury has recommended charges this week against 13 individuals in connection with an alleged drug and gun trafficking ring based in Erie and Crawford counties.

The arrest operation commenced late last week with the apprehension of Quran Lindsey-Cooley, 25, identified as the purported leader of the organization. Lindsey-Cooley faces numerous charges, including involvement in corrupt organizations, felony drugs and firearms offenses, among other related charges.

Investigators allege that Lindsey-Cooley and Daymeon Duck, 26, orchestrated a trafficking network that involved selling fentanyl/heroin and methamphetamine, while also supplying firearms to their associates.

The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigations tracked the activities of Lindsey-Cooley, Duck, and their associates, leading to the initiation of Grand Jury proceedings in 2022. This resulted in the recent presentment of charges.

“This network of defendants was committed to pushing poisons into numerous communities in the northwest corner of the Commonwealth, and they possessed firearms to protect their profitable operation,” Attorney General Henry said. She commended the agents for their diligent work and expressed gratitude to the grand jurors whose efforts have contributed to making neighborhoods safer.

Those charged and arrested in recent days include:

  • Quran Lindsey-Cooley (bail set at $250,000)
  • Daymeon Duck (posted $75,000 bail)
  • Tyreem Craig (bail set at $250,000)
  • Tiffany Fletcher (bail set at $50,000)
  • Steven Mills (bail set at $50,000)
  • Kaelesha Johnson (released on unsecured bail)
  • Penny Cattledge (released on $100,000 unsecured bail)
  • Jody Joint (awaiting arraignment)
  • Antonio Jefferson (released on $50,000 unsecured bail)
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Four other individuals charged remain at large: Brant Rittenhouse, Kevin Carter, Edwin Peelman, and Dustin Sudul.

Multiple search warrants executed by law enforcement resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl, pills containing fentanyl, seven firearms, and cash proceeds from trafficking activities.

Assisting agencies included the City of Erie Bureau of Police, City of Meadville Police, City of St. Marys Police, Elk County District Attorney’s Detective Bureau, Edinboro Borough Police, Emporium Borough Police, Erie County District Attorney’s Detective Bureau, Girard Borough Police, Lake City Borough Police, Lawrence County District Attorney’s Detectives, New Castle Police, and Millcreek Township Police.

The defendants will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force Section. It is important to remember that all charges are accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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