7 accused in drug ring seek separate trials

Defense attorneys argue there will be 'trials within the trial.'
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Seven people accused of being part of a drug ring that had roots in Detroit say they want separate trials.
But the Pennsylvania attorney general's office says it would be more economical to try them together.
Lawrence County Common Pleas Court Judge Thomas Piccione heard arguments Tuesday and is expected to issue a written decision later.
Michael Ahwesh, senior deputy attorney general, said the facts against the seven are essentially the same, with the exception of Malkia Brown. Brown, 28, of New Castle, is accused of allowing some of the accused to stash drugs in her home. The others involved are charged with a variety of drug crimes, conspiracy and being part of a corrupt organization.
According to Ahwesh, the same witnesses would be used for all of the defendants and there would be much repetition if separate trials were held.
The seven were among 28 people charged in February accused of selling crack cocaine.
Gangs held responsible
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.
The defendants in court Tuesday were the alleged kingpin James Brooks, 39; Brown; Terry Griffith, 37; John McCurdy, 35; Anthony Neal, 34; Frenzado Snow, 27. The attorney for Dorothy Ortiz, 37, was present, but told the judge he could not locate his client.
"It's going to be difficult enough for my client to get a fair trial in this county. There are just too many independent allegations with regard to my client," said attorney Michael Frisk Jr., who is representing Snow.
According to Frisk, half of the charges Snow faces were consolidated from a previous arrest and investigation done by the Pennsylvania State Police. Only after Snow was arrested in February as part of the Detroit gang by the state attorney general were those charges combined.
Other attorneys argued similar claims contending a seven-person trial would lead to "trials within the trial" to explore each charge.
"The danger of guilt by association is too great," added Stephanie Cooper, attorney for Griffith.
Elwesh said he believes the jurors will be able to keep track of who did what in a mass trial.
Numerous others charged in February are still making their way through the court system.
Only one person, Bennie Tabb, 20, of Detroit has gone to trial. Tabb was found guilty Aug. 16 by a jury of corrupt organizations, possession of crack cocaine, possession with the intent to deliver and delivery. He awaits sentencing.
cioffi@vindy.com