Three Johnstown Men Indicted On Gun And Drug Charges

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three residents of Johnstown, Pa., were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown 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: James Andre Hendricks, 38; Logan Tyrell Harris, 32; and Dian Shanell Lassiter, 31.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Aug. 8, 2013, through Aug. 22, 2013, James Andre Hendricks, Logan Tyrell Harris and Dian Shanell Lassiter conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

In addition, on Aug. 8, Aug. 20 and Aug. 22, 2013, Hendricks distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each of those occasions, and on Aug. 22, 2013, Hendricks, Harris and Lassiter possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

On Aug. 22, 2013, James Andre Hendricks was found in possession of a Sturm & Ruger, Model P95, 9mm pistol. On Dec. 3, 2007, Hendricks was convicted in Bedford County, Pa., of drug trafficking, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. On Aug. 22, 2013, Logan Tyrell Harris was found in possession of a Sturm & Ruger, Model P345, .45 caliber pistol. On May 20, 2004, Harris was convicted in Union County Superior Court of New Jersey of resisting arrest, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence for James Andre Hendricks of 150 years in prison, a fine of $13,250,000, or both; for Logan Tyrell Harris, 90 years in prison, a fine of $10,250,000, or both; and for Dian Shanell Lassiter, 80 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, 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 Stephanie L. Haines 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 leading to the indictment in this case.

According to Mr. Hickton, this case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

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