Pennsylvania woman admits to role in heroin distribution operation

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalisa L. Hawkins, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has admitted to her role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hawkins, also known as “Ashley,” age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin in Proximity of a Protected Location.” Hawkins admitted to distributing heroin, sometimes near Emmanuel Christian School in Clarksburg, from January 2016 to May 2016 in Harrison County and elsewhere.

Hawkins is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count, and faces not less than one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.