Members of a group known as the Fentanyl Robbery Gang were indicted by a federal grand jury on Friday.
The US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania says the Fentanyl Robbery Gang is linked to 4 deaths, 3 of which happened in Berks and Luzerne counties.
A total of 7 members of the Fentanyl Robbery Gang have been charged: Amanda Marie Correa, 29; Robert Andrew Barnes, 24; Christine Deann DiCarlo, 50; Shaqare Jaymont Blackwell, 23; Shakur Serafin Brownstein, 27; Dylan Wilson Small, 35; and Samual Jordan, 42.
They’re facing charges that include conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and serious injury, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious injury, brandishing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, kidnapping, and aggravated identity theft.
Authorities say the Fentanyl Robbery Gang has ties to New York City gangs.
US Attorney Gerard Karam says the F.R.G. would meet victims at their locations to rob them of firearms, cash, cell phones, identification documents, debit and credit cards, drugs, and other valuables.
The victims were offered narcotics, which were said to be cocaine but contained fentanyl. If victims refused the drugs, F.R.G. members would forcibly or secretly give them the fentanyl-laced drugs to incapacitate them and proceed with the robbery.
If victims were not incapacitated quickly enough, the F.R.G. would carry out home-invasion robberies. They would gain entry with the help of associates and steal valuables at gunpoint or through other violent means, including threats, beatings, and aggravated assault.
The indictment claims that four individuals died from fentanyl overdoses linked to the F.R.G.’s activities.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...