Arrests in 'Operation Border Bargains'
Attorney General Kelly announces arrests in "Operation Border Bargains;" 19 charged in Ohio to PA meth lab & pill-shopping investigation
ERIE - Agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, along with officers from local police departments across Erie County, are in the process of arresting 19 Pennsylvania and Ohio residents allegedly involved in two separate interstate methamphetamine production and pill-shopping networks.
Attorney General Linda Kelly said the 15-month long investigation, known as "Operation Border Bargains," focused on organized efforts to conceal the purchase of large quantities of pseudoephedrine - a primary ingredient for meth production which is most commonly found in various cold and allergy medicines.
Evidence and testimony was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which identified two independent groups, both regularly moving meth ingredients and drugs back-and-forth between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The grand jury recommended the criminal charges that were filed today.
"This was concerted effort to elude authorities in both Pennsylvania and Ohio by sending pill-shoppers - also known as 'smurfers' - to stores and pharmacies in numerous different communities on both sides of the border," Kelly said. "Despite efforts to conceal their operations, patterns of pill purchases still emerged and the evidence indicates that large quantities of pseudoephedrine pills were being shipped to meth 'cooks' in Ohio in exchange for cash, drugs, or a combination of both."
Kelly said the investigation identified two different organizations, one allegedly led by Jeffrey Barnard, of Conneaut, Ohio, and the other guided by Eldon J. Carlson, of Girard, Pennsylvania.
The Barnard Group
According to the grand jury, Jeffrey Barnard manufactured or "cooked" methamphetamine at lab locations in Ohio and directed at least eight other associates to assist in obtaining the necessary ingredients.
In order to gather pills from a wide area, in hopes of avoiding detection by law enforcement, Barnard was allegedly assisted by Ryan J. Evans, of Girard; Jose J. Tirado III, of Conneaut, Ohio; and Vitaliy P. Goncharov and Pavel Goncharov, both of Lake City.
The grand jury found that Evans, Tirado and the Goncharov brothers collected pills from other individuals, exchanged pills for drugs and cash and allegedly traveled to Ohio to deliver those items to Barnard.
Others allegedly purchased meth ingredients from stores and pharmacies across Erie County and delivered those items to fellow conspirators in exchange for cash or drugs, including Katy Lynn Rocco, of Albion; Ashley L. Mercurio, of Fairview; Roman L. Gidenko, of Fairview; and Vladimir Gidenko, of Erie.
A standard exchange reportedly involved one-half gram of meth, with a street value of approximately $60, for one 96-count box of pseudoephedrine tablets. In other situations, purchasers would receive two bags of heroin or up to $20 in cash in order to purchase a box of the necessary cold medicine.
The Carlson Group
The grand jury found that Carlson coordinated the purchase of large quantities of pseudoephedrine as part of an entirely different pill-shopping organization, allegedly delivering those ingredients to an unnamed individual in Ohio who manufactured the meth. Carlson allegedly provided meth, cash and/or crack cocaine to other members of the organization in exchange for the necessary cold medication.
Carlson was allegedly assisted by Lisa A. Eddy, also of Girard, in collecting pseudoephedrine from other "shoppers" in the Girard area.
Other individuals accused of assisting Carlson in obtaining pills in order to support meth production include Stephen W. Chase, Catherine L. Eckonen, Jeffrey G. Craft, Jon M. Matzak, Deborah M. Johnson, Christopher E. Sipe, Danielle N. Verosko and Paul Skapura, all from Girard.
"The manufacture and distribution of Methamphetamine is an ongoing threat, not just for communities in Pennsylvania, but all across the country," Kelly said. "Still, no matter how they try to hide their operations, the flow of pills, money and drugs will eventually reveal the people behind the labs and we will continue to work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to shut down these illegal and dangerous businesses."
Kelly said the criminal charges were all filed today before Erie Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Mack, who will schedule preliminary hearings at a future date.
The defendants will be prosecuted in Erie County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Douglas J. Wright of the Attorney General's Drug Strike Force Section.
Attorney General Kelly thanked the following agencies for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation, including Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri's Office, along with Erie County Detectives and police departments from the City of Erie, Edinboro, Girard, Lake City and Millcreek.
A list of the defendants along with the charges filed against them is attached below:
--Jeffrey Barnard, 32, 477 Chadman St., Conneaut, Ohio, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Ryan J. Evans, 24, 1423 Lake St., Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jose J. Tirado III, 26, 348 Old Main Road, Conneaut, Ohio, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Vitaliy P. Goncharov, 20, 650 Lakeside Drive, Lake City, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Pavel Goncharov, 23, 650 Lakeside Drive, Lake City, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Katy Lynn Rocco, 21, 9570 Griffey Road, Albion, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Ashley L. Mercurio, 20, 1390 Avonia Road, Fairview, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Roman L. Gidenko, 24, 7527 Welcana Drive, Fairview, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Vladimir Gidenko, 22, 5239 West Ridge Road, Erie, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Eldon J. Carlson, 52, 217 West Main St., Girard, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Lisa A. Eddy, 47, 217 Main St., Apt. 2, Girard, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Stephen W. Chase, 42, 224 Carrie Lane, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Catherine L. Eckonen, 46, 204 Main St. East, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jeffrey G. Craft, 51, 6817 South Creek Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jon M. Matczak, 44, 226 Main St. East, Second Floor, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Deborah M. Johnson, 47, 3139 Elk Park Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Christopher E. Sipe, 45, 8693 Ridge Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Danielle N. Verosko, 24, 212 Main St. East, Upstairs, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Paul Skapura, 55, 1508 Lake St., Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
ERIE - Agents from the Attorney General's Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, along with officers from local police departments across Erie County, are in the process of arresting 19 Pennsylvania and Ohio residents allegedly involved in two separate interstate methamphetamine production and pill-shopping networks.
Attorney General Linda Kelly said the 15-month long investigation, known as "Operation Border Bargains," focused on organized efforts to conceal the purchase of large quantities of pseudoephedrine - a primary ingredient for meth production which is most commonly found in various cold and allergy medicines.
Evidence and testimony was presented to a statewide investigating grand jury, which identified two independent groups, both regularly moving meth ingredients and drugs back-and-forth between Ohio and Pennsylvania. The grand jury recommended the criminal charges that were filed today.
"This was concerted effort to elude authorities in both Pennsylvania and Ohio by sending pill-shoppers - also known as 'smurfers' - to stores and pharmacies in numerous different communities on both sides of the border," Kelly said. "Despite efforts to conceal their operations, patterns of pill purchases still emerged and the evidence indicates that large quantities of pseudoephedrine pills were being shipped to meth 'cooks' in Ohio in exchange for cash, drugs, or a combination of both."
Kelly said the investigation identified two different organizations, one allegedly led by Jeffrey Barnard, of Conneaut, Ohio, and the other guided by Eldon J. Carlson, of Girard, Pennsylvania.
The Barnard Group
According to the grand jury, Jeffrey Barnard manufactured or "cooked" methamphetamine at lab locations in Ohio and directed at least eight other associates to assist in obtaining the necessary ingredients.
In order to gather pills from a wide area, in hopes of avoiding detection by law enforcement, Barnard was allegedly assisted by Ryan J. Evans, of Girard; Jose J. Tirado III, of Conneaut, Ohio; and Vitaliy P. Goncharov and Pavel Goncharov, both of Lake City.
The grand jury found that Evans, Tirado and the Goncharov brothers collected pills from other individuals, exchanged pills for drugs and cash and allegedly traveled to Ohio to deliver those items to Barnard.
Others allegedly purchased meth ingredients from stores and pharmacies across Erie County and delivered those items to fellow conspirators in exchange for cash or drugs, including Katy Lynn Rocco, of Albion; Ashley L. Mercurio, of Fairview; Roman L. Gidenko, of Fairview; and Vladimir Gidenko, of Erie.
A standard exchange reportedly involved one-half gram of meth, with a street value of approximately $60, for one 96-count box of pseudoephedrine tablets. In other situations, purchasers would receive two bags of heroin or up to $20 in cash in order to purchase a box of the necessary cold medicine.
The Carlson Group
The grand jury found that Carlson coordinated the purchase of large quantities of pseudoephedrine as part of an entirely different pill-shopping organization, allegedly delivering those ingredients to an unnamed individual in Ohio who manufactured the meth. Carlson allegedly provided meth, cash and/or crack cocaine to other members of the organization in exchange for the necessary cold medication.
Carlson was allegedly assisted by Lisa A. Eddy, also of Girard, in collecting pseudoephedrine from other "shoppers" in the Girard area.
Other individuals accused of assisting Carlson in obtaining pills in order to support meth production include Stephen W. Chase, Catherine L. Eckonen, Jeffrey G. Craft, Jon M. Matzak, Deborah M. Johnson, Christopher E. Sipe, Danielle N. Verosko and Paul Skapura, all from Girard.
"The manufacture and distribution of Methamphetamine is an ongoing threat, not just for communities in Pennsylvania, but all across the country," Kelly said. "Still, no matter how they try to hide their operations, the flow of pills, money and drugs will eventually reveal the people behind the labs and we will continue to work cooperatively with other law enforcement agencies to shut down these illegal and dangerous businesses."
Kelly said the criminal charges were all filed today before Erie Magisterial District Judge Suzanne Mack, who will schedule preliminary hearings at a future date.
The defendants will be prosecuted in Erie County by Senior Deputy Attorney General Douglas J. Wright of the Attorney General's Drug Strike Force Section.
Attorney General Kelly thanked the following agencies for their cooperation and assistance with this investigation, including Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri's Office, along with Erie County Detectives and police departments from the City of Erie, Edinboro, Girard, Lake City and Millcreek.
A list of the defendants along with the charges filed against them is attached below:
--Jeffrey Barnard, 32, 477 Chadman St., Conneaut, Ohio, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Ryan J. Evans, 24, 1423 Lake St., Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jose J. Tirado III, 26, 348 Old Main Road, Conneaut, Ohio, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Vitaliy P. Goncharov, 20, 650 Lakeside Drive, Lake City, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Pavel Goncharov, 23, 650 Lakeside Drive, Lake City, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Katy Lynn Rocco, 21, 9570 Griffey Road, Albion, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Ashley L. Mercurio, 20, 1390 Avonia Road, Fairview, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Roman L. Gidenko, 24, 7527 Welcana Drive, Fairview, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Vladimir Gidenko, 22, 5239 West Ridge Road, Erie, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Eldon J. Carlson, 52, 217 West Main St., Girard, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Lisa A. Eddy, 47, 217 Main St., Apt. 2, Girard, is charged with two counts of participating in a corrupt organization, felonies which are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 fines; one count of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine; one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and one count of possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
--Stephen W. Chase, 42, 224 Carrie Lane, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Catherine L. Eckonen, 46, 204 Main St. East, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jeffrey G. Craft, 51, 6817 South Creek Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Jon M. Matczak, 44, 226 Main St. East, Second Floor, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Deborah M. Johnson, 47, 3139 Elk Park Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Christopher E. Sipe, 45, 8693 Ridge Road, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Danielle N. Verosko, 24, 212 Main St. East, Upstairs, Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
--Paul Skapura, 55, 1508 Lake St., Girard, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine, along with one count of possession of precursor chemicals, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
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