HARRISBURG, PA — Seven individuals have been charged in connection with a drug trafficking network distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl across rural Pennsylvania, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced this week.
The investigation focused on trafficking activity in Cameron, Elk, McKean, Potter, and Warren counties.
Benjamin Simms, 31, of Coudersport, was identified as a mid-level dealer who allegedly trafficked 30 to 40 pounds of methamphetamine over the course of a year, sourcing the drugs from New York. He is currently incarcerated at SCI-Forest.
Simms is accused of working directly with Kyle P. Brown, 39, of Emporium, who is being held at McKean County Prison on $50,000 bail. Both will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General.
The remaining five defendants, considered street-level dealers, include:
Marry Ann Stolburg, 61, of Ridgeway
Justin Meyer, 38, of Saint Marys
Beau Azzato, 20, of Saint Marys
Richard Bauer, 64, of Johnsonburg
Josh Dalton, 35, of Ridgeway
Investigators stated that aside from Simms and Brown’s collaboration, the others operated independently.
All seven face felony charges of possession with intent to deliver, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses.
“These traffickers pushed poisons into rural Pennsylvania communities,” said Attorney General Sunday. “My mission to target drug traffickers spans the entire Commonwealth, and I commend our partners for collaboration that will have real impact in this region.”
The Elk County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the cases against the five street-level suspects.
The investigation was led by agents from the North Central Drug Task Force within the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. They were supported by local law enforcement agencies including:
Borough of Emporium Police Department
Cameron County District Attorney’s Office Detective Bureau
City of Bradford Police Department
City of Saint Marys Police Department
Ridgway Police Department
Johnsonburg Police Department
McKean County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force
Authorities remind the public that criminal charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
