Hermitage, Pa., man charged as key figure in cocaine ring

Staff report

hermitage, pa.

A Hermitage man is at the center of a ring that brought multiple kilos of cocaine into three counties over the past year, the Pennsylvania attorney general’s office says.

A statewide grand jury recommended the filing of criminal charges in the case Thursday.

One kilo, or kilogram, of cocaine is equal to about 2.2 pounds.

Jason Gordon, 37, of Cassady Road is charged with six counts of delivery of cocaine, six counts of possession with intent to deliver, six counts of possession, two counts of corrupt organizations, one count of criminal conspiracy, one count of criminal use of a communication facility and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

The AG’s office said Gordon made regular trips to New Jersey to obtain about $500,000 worth of cocaine, which was resold in Mercer, Lawrence and Butler counties.

Eleven other people are also charged in the ring. David Rodriguez, 36, of Paterson, N.J., was Gordon’s primary cocaine supplier, the AG’s office said. Rodriguez is also Gordon’s brother-in-law. He faces multiple drug and conspiracy charges.

Also charged are Eric Letcher Jr., 28, of Warren-Sharon Road in Masury; Patrick Signer, 43, of Landau Drive in Pulaski; and David Rakoci, 32, of North Oakland Avenue in Sharon. The AG’s office said Gordon distributed the cocaine directly to them after returning from New Jersey.

The grand jury found that those three men resold the cocaine to other local dealers and users.

Also facing delivery, possession and conspiracy charges are Ronald Litzinger, 29, of West New Castle Street in Butler, Pa.; Samantha Ray, 24, of Warren-Sharon Road in Masury; Robin Letcher, 30, of Baldwin Avenue in Sharon; Donald Huegel, 47, of David Drive in Butler; Heidi Winterberger, 23, of East Crestview Drive in Transfer; and Jason Draper, 37, of Westwood Manor in Butler. Charged with two counts of possession of cocaine is Gary Weber, 50, of Rolling Valley Drive in Butler.