JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – An investigation into drug activity led authorities to arrest several people Wednesday, Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said Thursday.
Amanda Pavlik, Morgan Deitle and Joseph Mangum were taken into custody as federal, state and local officials executed arrest warrants in Johnstown, Neugebauer said in a statement.
When Deitle was arrested, investigators obtained probable cause, applied for and executed a secondary search warrant at Oakhurst Homes in Johnstown, Neugebauer said; during that search, 14 grams of fentanyl worth more than $4,000 and drug paraphernalia allegedly were located.
“An intensive investigation involving multiple agencies culminated in several arrests yesterday,” Neugebauer said in the statement. “Individuals with ties to Michigan and Ohio are believed to have been working to distribute drugs in our area.
“Law enforcement will continue efforts to find and prosecute those who harm our neighborhoods with illicit activity. Thank you to the men and women in law enforcement for their unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Deitle was charged with two courts of corrupt organizations, two counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communication facility, four counts of conspiracy and eight counts of possession with intent to deliver, Neugebauer said.
Pavlik and Mangum face charges of corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver, Neugebauer said. Mangum was also charged with criminal use of communication facilities.
They were taken to Central Booking at Cambria County Prison and arraigned, the district attorney said.
As a result of the investigation, Mark Hiles, who is already in custody, was also charged. A detainer was lodged against him and he was charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver, Neugebauer said.
Additionally, Frederick McDaniel was arrested on an unrelated warrant and charges pertaining to his case will be filed soon, Neugebauer said.
Authorities who collaborated on the case include the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the U.S. Marshals, the Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County detectives, the Johnstown Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.