Police light, traffic safety officer - Stock Photo by Daniel Tadevosyan
PITTSBURGH, PA—U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today that twelve individuals from the Pittsburgh area have been charged with various narcotics and firearms offenses. A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh returned a three-count indictment naming Cody Duncan, 33, of Verona; Ronell Cathie, 30, of Pittsburgh; Melvin Gaines, 29, of Oakmont; Curtis Williams, 27, of Pittsburgh; Malik Martinez, 27, of Pittsburgh; Cayce Williams, 22, of Pittsburgh; Devaughn Faulk, 27, of Pittsburgh; and Antonio Arrington, 22, of Pittsburgh. The indictment was unsealed today following their arrests.
The defendants are alleged to be members and associates of the Zhoove street gang, which operated in the Allentown, Beltzhoover, Knoxville, and Mount Washington neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Between March 2024 and July 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Additionally, Arrington and Curtis Williams are charged with possessing a 9mm handgun and ammunition despite being convicted felons, in violation of federal law.
In related cases, indictments against Morisee Williams, 41; Syere Franklin, 24; and Charles Stephens, 60, all of Pittsburgh, were unsealed today. Each is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Oneal Olive, 31, of Pittsburgh, was also arrested this morning during the execution of search warrants and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Among the firearms allegedly possessed were an AR-style semiautomatic rifle and a Polymer-80 “ghost gun.”
“Street gangs like the so-called Zhoove gang terrorize our law-abiding neighbors who simply want to live in communities free of deadly drugs and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “Today’s arrests demonstrate our ceaseless commitment to protecting the people of western Pennsylvania, and we are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our partners at the FBI who stand shoulder to shoulder with us every day.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek added, “Armed traffickers who funnel this poison into our neighborhoods act with utter disregard for human life, and today’s arrests should send a clear message there are serious consequences for this illegal activity. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in our efforts to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who are a danger to our communities.”
The drug-trafficking conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. The felon-in-possession charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of each defendant.
He Solicited a Young Girl Online to Cuddle, She Was an Undercover Cop
HARFORD COUNTY, MD—The Harford County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Harford County Child Advocacy Center, has announced the arrest of 30-year-old Joshua John Brown of Perryville. The arrest follows an undercover operation aimed at combating the online solicitation of minors.
The operation began on July 22, 2024, with Harford County detectives posing as a 13-year-old girl on a social media platform. During their interactions, Brown, using the alias ‘John,’ acknowledged the inappropriateness of his actions due to the age difference but persisted in making sexually suggestive comments and proposing a meeting.
Brown suggested activities including watching a movie and cuddling, and sought to ensure secrecy due to the age disparity. He arranged to meet on July 26, 2024, in Bel Air, intending to engage in sexual activities.
Detectives observed Brown arriving at the planned location and conducted surveillance until they confirmed his identity through his vehicle registration and Maryland driver's license. He was arrested as he tried to leave the area and was taken to the Harford County Detention Center. Initially held on $5,000 bail, Brown has since been released on bond.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this case or other potential victims to come forward. They also emphasize the importance of parents discussing the risks of online interactions with their children, encouraging vigilance and open communication about their online activities.
Frustrated Fishermen Demand Answers, Transparency After Vineyard Wind FailureNANTUCKET - Members of the New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) and the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance (RODA) are demanding a thorough investigation into the recent incident involving a detached blade from a Vineyard Wind turbine.
The mishap, which occurred on July 13, resulted in widespread debris across significant fishing areas from Nantucket to Cape Cod, causing concern among local fishermen.
Jerry Leeman, CEO of NEFSA, expressed the community's frustration, stating, “Trust between fishermen and offshore wind developers is at an absolute nadir."
He emphasized the necessity for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to conduct a detailed and transparent investigation to restore confidence within the fishing community.
The incident has sparked a strong response, with a letter to BSEE, signed by 1730 stakeholders, urging the agency to meet specific investigatory criteria before allowing Vineyard Wind to resume operations.
The letter outlines several demands, including a comprehensive review of all turbines, public disclosure of investigation findings, and an evaluation of potential changes to the offshore wind permitting process to enhance federal oversight.
The delay in Vineyard Wind’s acknowledgment of the incident and the perceived downplaying of its severity have further strained relations, prompting calls for heightened transparency and accountability.
The fishing community, backed by NEFSA and RODA, awaits a prompt response from BSEE to address their concerns comprehensively and ensure the safety and sustainability of their livelihoods.
Early Morning Shooting Leaves One Dead in PhiladelphiaPHILADELPHIA, PA—A homicide occurred early this morning on the 200 block of West Somerset Street, resulting in the death of an unidentified Hispanic male in his early 30s. The Philadelphia Police Department reported that the incident took place at 3:50 AM.
The victim suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach, right leg, and left arm. He was quickly transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:18 AM.
Authorities are actively holding the scene for further investigation.
As of now, no arrests have been made and no weapons have been recovered in connection with the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing as police seek information and potential witnesses to help identify those responsible for the violence.
