Six Charged In Heroin Trafficking Ring

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Six residents of Cambria and Indiana Counties were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on Oct. 8, 2013, on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The seven-count indictment named as defendants the following individuals:

Thomas K. Lighthill, 44, of Northern Cambria, Pa.;
Deborah L. Lute, 34, of Carrolltown, Pa.;
Douglas A. Lydic, 29, of Commodore, Pa.;
Tiffany N. White, 24, of Indiana, Pa.;
William S. Rounsley, 21, of Carrolltown, Pa.; and
Casey Lex, 28, of Northern Cambria, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and on separate occasions during that time period Lydic, White, Rounsley and Lex each distributed less than 100 grams of heroin. In addition, on March 8, 2013, Lute and Rounsley possessed less than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute it, and Lute possessed two Hi-Point pistols in furtherance of the drug trafficking.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Lighthill of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both; for Lute of life in prison, a fine of $6,250,000 or both; for Lydic, White and Lex of 60 years in prison, a fine of $6,000,000, or both; and for Rounsley of 80 years in prison, a fine of $7,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lighthill, Lute, Lydic, White, Rounsley and Lex.

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