A federal grand jury has charged seven people – dubbed the “Fentanyl Robbery Gang” – after a multistate investigation, law enforcement announced Friday.
More than 50 incidents, from New Hampshire to Virginia, resulted in four deaths, including three in Pennsylvania in Luzerne and Berks counties. The fourth occurred in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A home invasion and robbery in North Scranton turned out to be the same suspects.
Those arrested come from Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Law enforcement says Amanda Marie Correa orchestrated the dates with the victims.
The grand jury charged the following: Correa, 29; Robert Andrew Barnes, 24; Christine Deann DiCarlo, 50; Shaqare Jaymont Blackwell, 23; Shakur Serfin Brownstein, 27; Dylan Wilson Small, 35; and Samuel Jordan, 42. Some are affiliated with New York gangs and trafficked drugs and guns. Charges include kidnapping, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death and brandishing firearms. All of the suspects are in custody.
The victims would be offered narcotics, that unbeknownst to the victim, contained fentanyl. If the victim refused the drugs, the gang would force the drugs on the person. The gang would target victims who sought prostitutes.
The victims would be offered cocaine, that unbeknownst to the victim, contained fentanyl. If the victim refused the drugs, the gang would allegedly force the drugs on the person. The gang would target victims who sought prostitutes, sometimes on dating sites such as PlentyOfFish and MeetMe.
Officials say the case was broken wide open on April 18 in Scranton when a victim tracked his stolen AirPods to a nearby hotel. Those suspects, who also stole bank cards, were then connected to the wider investigation.
The announcement happened at a press conference at the Wilkes-Barre State Police barracks, attended by dozens of law enforcement officers from multiple federal, state and local agencies.
Luzerne County saw 143 overdose deaths last year.
“These first cases were not simple overdoses, if such a thing as a simple overdose exists,” said County District Attorney Sam Samguedolce. He said it was a “sobering moment” when he realized not all overdose deaths this year were “self inflicted.”
Officials believe there may be more victims. If you have information relating to the investigation, contact the Scranton Office of the FBI at: 570-344-2404.
*WVIA News reporter Lydia McFarlane contributed to this report.
