State Police in Punxsutawney said that during September 2010 they began an investigation involving drug-trafficking methamphetamine.
During a news conference police said that the investigation continued into February 2011. Officials said they then became aware of oxycodone also being trafficked into the Jefferson County area.
In March 2011, investigators said that they were contacted by the United States Postal Inspection service. Officials said that the inspection service told them that suspicious packages were being sent to and from Orlando, Fla.
During January police were able to make eight arrests in the investigation. The following people were indicted in U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania:
Joshua G. Shaffer (Orlando, FL/Hiawatha, IA)
Alexander D. Showers (Orlando, FL)
Keith A. Hayes (Anita, PA/Orlando, FL)
Tina M. Smith (Brookville, PA)
Joseph F. Cesa (Kersey, PA)
Trisha M. Thompson (Brookville, PA)
Tyler N. Thompson (Brookville, PA)
Jason E. Shaffer (Clearfield, PA)
The eight defendants are facing federal charges for “conspiracy to possess and possession to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of oxycodone pills,” said Trooper Jamie Levier, public information officer for Troop-C, Punxsutawney.
Through the investigation it was determined that Joshua G. Shaffer was the source of illegal narcotics in Clearfield, Jefferson and Elk counties.
Police classified those eight defendants as high-level drug dealers or users.
For the full article, check out WJACTV.com.