Eight Facing Charges In Large Scale Heroin Distribution Scheme

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Eight current and former residents of Allegheny County have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics trafficking laws on a major scale, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment, unsealed today, charges Eric Ewell, 30; Canaan Bey, 26; William Fielder, 30; Terrious Harper, 29; Khalid Kareem, 29; Donnell Morris, 28; Donnie Morris, 29; and Brandon Thompson, 31, as the defendants.

According to the indictment, between January 2011 and June 2012, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin; and, on June 27 and June 28, 2012, Donnell Morris and Donnie Morris attempted to possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $1.2 million in heroin trafficking proceeds, a Porsche automobile, and a residence located in Pittsburgh.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both for the defendants. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal histories, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration in Pittsburgh, New York, and Charlotte, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pittsburgh Police Department, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Wilkins Township Police Department, the East Pittsburgh Police Department, the New York Police Department, and the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.