HARRISBURG -Ten individuals were charged following an investigation into the alleged distribution of street-level quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine in Carbon and Lehigh Counties.
Attorney General Tom Corbett said the investigation, known as the Mike and Mike investigation, began when agents from the Carbon County Drug Task Force received information that two individuals were distributing cocaine in the Lehigh Valley.
The main suspects were identified as Michael A. Dennis, and his nephew Michael M. Dennis.
Corbett said that during the course of the investigation agents conducted a series of controlled purchases, which allowed them to identify others, who allegedly obtained cocaine from Mike and Mike.
The charges state that the Dennises were long time distributors in Carbon County and had regular customers who purchased gram and ounce quantities of cocaine for redistribution.
As the investigation progressed, agents obtained search warrants on at least two locations where the Dennises allegedly distributed crack and powder cocaine, and seized a small amount of cocaine.
Over the course of the investigation, agents estimate that the Dennises and their associates were responsible for delivering approximately 1000 grams of cocaine and/or crack cocaine with an estimated street value of $80,000 to $100,000.
“Distributing cocaine was part of these drug dealers daily lives,” Corbett said. “For awhile they were able to create a lucrative business, but like all illegal enterprises, their fortune was short-lived.”
The defendants will be prosecuted in Carbon County by the Carbon County District Attorney Gary F. Dobias’ Office.
Corbett noted that Michael M. Dennis was previously charged and will be prosecuted in Lehigh County.
A complete list of the defendants and the charges against them is below:
–Michael A. Dennis, 41, currently a fugitive with no known address, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Emily James, 25, Red Hill Borough, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Triest Messinger, 44, Bowmanstown, Carbon County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Marcia Messinger, 41, Bowmanstown, Carbon County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Melissa McGuire, 25, Summit Hill, Carbon County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Diane McArdle, 37, Lansford, Carbon County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Jason Seekins, 32, Coaldale, Schuylkill County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Melissa Oriel, 35, Coaldale, Schuylkill County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–James Neff, 55, currently incarcerated in the Carbon County Prison, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.
–Wanda Andrews, 46, Lehighton, Carbon County, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of corrupt organizations and one count of criminal use of a communications facility.