Fifteen people from Erie, New York, and Ohio are facing federal drug charges following a multi-agency investigation into illegal drug trafficking in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The indictments, announced by U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti during a press conference at Erie City Hall on May 18, stem from a Homeland Security Task Force investigation targeting the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in the region.
The defendants are named in two related federal indictments. The first charges 13 individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, including cases involving large quantities that could carry severe penalties.
The defendants of the first indictment include Abner Cintron 40 of Jamestown New York, Yirzak Caceres-Perez 28 of West Babylon New York, Thalia Dalie Lynch 31 of Jamestown New York, Alberto Daniel Arroyo-Amaro 27 of Erie, Brayan Omar Arroyo-Amaro 29 of Erie, Yanelite Amaro-Colon 39 of Erie, Luis Serrano-Mojica 34 of Youngstown Ohio, Juan Gustavo Cartagena Sr. 31 of Erie, Landy Gerebee Pacheco-Mendez 34 of Erie, Lourdes Marie Cartagena 30 of Erie, Luis Ramon Feliciano-Martine 54 of Erie, Javier Carrasquillo 47 of Jamestown New York, and Mariah Arlene Jackson 29 of Jamestown New York.
The second indictment charges two additional individuals with a similar conspiracy involving cocaine and includes defendants Luis Antonio DeJesus Jr. 46 of Erie and Daniel Tirado 45 of Erie.
If convicted, several of the defendants could face significant prison time, with some charges carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Others face maximum penalties ranging from 20 to 40 years behind bars. Actual sentences would depend on factors such as the severity of the offenses and each defendant’s criminal history.
The investigation was conducted over a period of five months and involved extensive cooperation among multiple agencies.
Pennsylvania State Police also played a key role in the investigation, working alongside federal partners and local departments.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Sellers.
Authorities stress that the indictments are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The arrests are part of a broader effort under the Homeland Security Task Force and the Northwest Pennsylvania Drug Initiative, which work to coordinate resources across agencies in response to drug trafficking and related criminal activity in the region. Officials say these partnerships will continue to be critical in addressing ongoing drug threats and protecting communities across northwestern Pennsylvania.