Large New Castle-based drug trafficking ring broken up, several indicted

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — More than a dozen members of an alleged drug trafficking organization based in New Castle have been indicted.

Thirteen people indicted are accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl throughout western Pennsylvania.

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WPXI NEW CASTLE RING INDICT More than a dozen members of an alleged drug trafficking organization based in New Castle have been indicted. (U.S. Attorney's office)

The indictment, returned on September 22 and unsealed Monday, charges the following people with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine from March 2019 through September 2020:

• Bruce McKnight, 53, of Columbus, Ohio

• Norberto Castillo-Lopez, 31, of Mexico

• Jossian Ayala-Ruberte, 39, of Kissimmee, Florida

• Luis Mattei-Albizu, 39, of Columbus, Ohio

• Nathaniel McKnight, 28, of New Castle, Pennsylvania

• Michael Talbert, 41, of Farrell, Pennsylvania

• Tony McKnight, 55, of New Castle, Pennsylvania

• Trevor Austin, 46, of Sharon, Pennsylvania

• Thomas Pierce Jr., 48, of Farrell, Pennsylvania

• Thomas Jones, 44, of Farrell, Pennsylvania

• Romondo Oatis, 46, of Farrell, Pennsylvania

• Darnell Latham, 51, of New Castle, Pennsylvania

• Brandon Jetter, 39, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania

The Indictment also charges Bruce McKnight and his nephew, Nathaniel McKnight, with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl.

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