5 Detroit men to be tried in court

Some charges were dismissed for lack of evidence.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Five more Detroit men suspected of being drug dealers have been ordered to stand trial.
That ruling came after a lengthy preliminary hearing Friday in Lawrence County Central Court for John "Isiah" McCurdy, 36; Anthony "Panama" Neal, 34; Maurice "Eli" Hubbard, 20; Shantez "Stretch" Johnson, 32; and Randy "Black" Oates, 20.
The men were snagged as part of a 28-person drug sweep in March by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office, Lawrence County District Attorney and New Castle police.
Police concentrated on two gangs of people from Detroit who prosecutors contend controlled the crack cocaine trade in New Castle through fear and intimidation.
Says he was threatened
Joseph E. Farrell III, 53, testified that he was threatened by Neal twice when he refused to let Neal and other drug dealers move into his Waldo Street house.
Farrell said Neal threatened to cut off Farrell's head and mount it on his mantel.
Some charges against three of the defendants were dismissed by District Justice Melissa Amodie during the hearing for lack of evidence.
Charges of simple assault and criminal use of communication facility were dropped against Neal; charges of corrupt organizations against Johnson were dropped; charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver and delivery of a controlled substance against Hubbard were dismissed.
In addition, Hubbard's bail was reduced to $150,000 from $300,000 during the hearing.
All three face numerous other drug-related charges.
Others
Preliminary hearings for two more suspects, Andrew Davis, 19, and David Randall, 21, both of Detroit, are planned for 1:30 p.m. Thursday in central court.
Charges against eight others were bound to court for trial last month.
cioffi@vindy.com