JOHNSTOWN, PA — Ten people have been charged in connection with an alleged Philadelphia-to-Cambria County drug trafficking operation, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced.
According to the Office of Attorney General, the investigation — assisted by the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury — culminated this month with a recommendation of charges against alleged organization leaders Khalil Henderson, 35, and Hayes Kelly, 43, along with eight others.
Officials stated that seven of the 10 defendants are in custody, while three others accused of lesser roles were issued summonses to appear in court.
Attorney General Sunday said the investigation began in 2022, when law enforcement became aware of suspected trafficking activity. According to authorities, undercover purchases and other investigative tactics led agents to identify Henderson and Hayes Kelly, both from Philadelphia, as alleged heads of the operation.
Prosecutors allege the organization trafficked heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and other narcotics from Philadelphia to western Pennsylvania.
According to the announcement, investigators in October stopped Nasir Kelly, 26, as he exited a Greyhound bus in Johnstown and allegedly found him in possession of bulk marijuana transported from Philadelphia.
Authorities also allege that, days later, Hayes Kelly and Kadeem Brackett, 36, were stopped in a BMW in Bedford County. Officials stated neither man possessed a valid driver’s license and that a subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl.
In the days that followed, police executed search warrants at multiple locations in Johnstown. According to investigators, cocaine was allegedly recovered from residences on the 100 block of Charles Street and the 100 block of Cypress Avenue, and a stolen firearm was allegedly found at a residence on the 100 block of Park Avenue. Authorities stated the Park Avenue residence was associated with Janea Polk, 26.
In addition to Henderson, Hayes Kelly, Nasir Kelly and Brackett, those charged include Jason Dull, 53; Brayanne Lightfoot, 29; and Polk. They are charged with felony corrupt organizations, possession with intent to deliver and related offenses, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Facing lesser charges are Tracey Freeman, 57; Darrion Dixon, 45; and Susan Heider, 75.
Officials alleged the organization used counter-surveillance tactics, including individuals acting as spotters for police during suspected drug transactions.
The case was presented to the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury convened in Allegheny County, authorities said.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.