9 suspects charged in drug-trafficking case

9 suspects charged in drug-trafficking case

SALEM

Nine people, mostly from Warren, were charged Tuesday in the wake of a 51-count grand jury indictment against members of a suspected heroin and cocaine distribution network that has operated in Salem and the surrounding area for the last three years.

The suspects are Tiona Jones, Antonio Torres, Malcolm Gilford, Marvin Harsch, Selena Pruitt, Susan Jones, Vincent McGary, Tina Taylor and Bradley Deatley, according to a report from 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner.

Among those arrested are two who are serving prison sentences for other crimes who will be returned to the area for court appearances.

Salem Police Chief J.T. Panezott said the members of the drug-trafficking network intimidated drug dealers that came into the area and threatened users who owed them money. He said there was a fear that someone would be killed, the television station reported.

YSU tops for vets

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s services for veterans has earned yet another honor. YSU has been designated a Military Friendly university by GI Jobs magazine. It is the ninth consecutive year YSU has been awarded the designation. The honor comes just two weeks after Military Times named YSU a “Best for Vets College 2017.”

‘Elf’ at South Range

NORTH LIMA

South Range Middle School’s Drama Team will present “Elf the Musical,” at 7 p.m. Friday. This year’s cast includes 23 seventh- and eighth-grade students and eight sixth graders. Tickets are available now in the middle school office and are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. Proceeds will benefit the South Range Middle School Drama Team.

Fill-A-Cruiser event

YOUNGSTOWN

The police department’s Community Police Unit will have its second annual Fill-A-Cruiser toy drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. Officers will accept donations of unwrapped toys which will be given to needy families in the city. Last year they filled four cruisers with toys to be given away.

Other agencies will be on hand to help collect the toys Saturday as well.

Library hotspots

YOUNGSTOWN

The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is now allowing its adult cardholders to borrow WiFi mobile hotspot devices from all of its branches for seven days. The devices enable wireless internet access for those without home connections or those who need access in unconnected areas.

Austintown Polar Run

AUSTINTOWN

Austintown’s third annual Polar Run will take place Dec. 16 at Fitch High School, 4560 Falcon Drive. The Polar Run benefits local veterans. Registration begins at 5 p.m. The run begins at 6 p.m. Participants can register the night of the event, but to ensure receipt of a shirt, advance registration is recommended by Thursday. The registration form and more information can be found at www.austintownschools.org in the “District News” section and the Fitch “School News” section.

School work session

AUSTINTOWN

The Austintown school board will have a work session 1 p.m. today at the central office followed by the meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Austintown Middle School cafeteria. The work session will include an executive session to discuss employment of personnel.

Court social worker’s grant renewed

YOUNGSTOWN

The Mahoning County Domestic Relations Court has received a $60,000 renewal for 2017 of its state-administered federal grant that pays for a full-time court social worker, Judge Beth Smith of that court has announced.

The licensed social worker, Valerie Flanigan, helps domestic violence victims develop personalized safety plans and find safe housing, counseling, job training and support groups.