Large-scale heroin distribution ring dismantled in Westmoreland County

GREENSBURG, Pa. — A large, intricate heroin distribution ring was dismantled by law enforcement in Westmoreland County.

Investigators said heroin was being transported from Patterson, New Jersey Greensburg, where it was packaged and sold.

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After months of investigating, charges were filed against Lindsey Wright, Sade Franklin and James Moore.

Police said Moore was the alleged ringleader who called the shots from inside the State Correctional Institution in Smithfield. Recorded phone calls and emails from the prison helped police uncover the operation.

Franklin is accused of being the drug mule, who made multiple trips to bring the heroin here to western Pennsylvania. She’d deliver the drugs to Chauncey Bray, police said.

He was arrested in February. Police accused him of being the “top dog” of a million-dollar drug ring in Westmoreland County. Within one month, detectives said Bray and his associates moved more than $18,000 worth of heroin throughout the county.

Wright allegedly helped supply some of that heroin.

Detectives said a house on Wineman Road was one of the major distribution centers for the heroin. Neighbors told Channel 11’s Melanie Gillespie they found needles thrown into their yards on occasion.

“I just saw a lot of people coming and going,” said Jennifer Martin, a neighbor. “All times of the day and night.”

In all, eight people are in custody and facing charges in connection with the drug ring. Detectives said they’re still investigating the supply chain and additional arrests could be coming.

Cox Media Group