5 facing drug charges to be tried together

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The alleged kingpin was released on nominal bond when prosecutors failed to take him to trial quickly.

By LAURE CIOFFI

VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Five people arrested as part of an alleged Detroit drug ring will stand trial together.

Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge Thomas Piccione ruled that James Brooks, 39, who's suspected of being the leader; Terry Griffith, 37; Anthony Neal, 34; Dorothy Ortiz, 37; and Franzado Snow, 27, will have one trial because the offenses charged against these five are based on the same act or transaction.

Piccione did not grant the Pennsylvania Attorney General's request to include Malkia Brown, 28, or John McCurdy, 35, in the same trial. Brown's charges are based on allegations that she allowed her home to be used as a "stash" house for the Detroit gang, and McCurdy's charges are based on activity in Beaver County.

Piccione said including McCurdy with the others would increase the potential for juror confusion. Brown's case is the result of a search warrant and is not part of the alleged drug ring.

Others

Three others arrested as part of the drug ring were already granted separate trials. They are Ronald Book, 40; Randy Oates, 20; and David Randall, 21.

All were arrested in February as part of a drug sweep in which 28 people were charged. They are accused of selling crack cocaine.

According to the attorney general, two rival gangs from Detroit set up shop in New Castle and since 2003 were responsible for the sale of as much as $2 million worth of crack cocaine.

At the time the charges were filed, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett said those charged used fear and intimidation to shut out local drug dealers and force drug users to buy from them.

A status conference for the five who will stand trial together is set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday before Piccione.

Piccione also ordered that Brooks be released on nominal bond after the Attorney General's office failed to bring him to trial within 180 days of his arrest.

Brooks was released Tuesday on $1 bond and ordered to not leave Lawrence County or have contact with witnesses and to be in contact with the county probation office.

Deputy Attorney General Michael Ahwesh could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.

cioffi@vindy.com

Wednesday, September 13, 2006