State AG investigation takes down drug-trafficking ring
Group allegedly operated in Blair
Larry Minnifield
Alisha Massa
Gregory Johnson
Jovar Hairston
Marcus Denson
Larry Minnifield
Alisha Massa
Gregory Johnson
Jovar Hairston
Marcus Denson
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A drug-trafficking ring distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs, as well as firearms, was taken down this week, according to the state Office of Attorney General.
Officials said five individuals were charged after a long-term investigation revealed drug-dealing activities in Blair, Dauphin, Cumberland and Clinton counties.
Charged with felony drug trafficking and related offenses are: Marcus A. Denson, 30, Middletown; Javar Hairston, 31; Larry Minnifield, 42; Alisha Massa, 23; and Gregory Johnson, 52, all of Harrisburg.
Denson is also charged with trafficking firearms, including at least one "ghost gun," according to state Attorney General Dave Sunday. Denson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
"This criminal network directly contributed to the distribution of poisons that ravage families and communities, and made illegal transfers of firearms that threaten the sanctity of neighborhoods," Sunday said.
According to a news release, Massa and Johnson were arrested Wednesday.
Massa was arraigned on four felony charges of possession with intent to deliver and a felony conspiracy charge. Massa was remanded to the Dauphin County Prison, unable to post $50,000 bail.
Johnson was arraigned on three felony charges of possession with intent to deliver, a felony charge of conspiracy and a felony charge of criminal use of a communication facility. His bail was set at $100,000 and he, too, was remanded to the Dauphin County Prison.
Minnifield and Hairston each face a felony count of possession with intent to distribute and a felony conspiracy charge.
Denson faces a total of 13 charges, including felony counts of possession with intent to deliver, three felony counts of possession of a firearm prohibited, six felony counts of conspiracy and misdemeanor gun charges.
Efforts are ongoing to take Denson, Minnifield and Hairston into custody, the report states.
During the course of the investigation, officials seized six firearms and surveilled numerous sales of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs involving the five charged, according to the report.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General's Drug Strike Force Section.
Johnson's online court summary shows that he faces felony drug charges in Blair County. In that case, he posted $400,000 bail. The last action in that case is listed as Sept. 18. The felony charges of possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy were held for the Court of Common Pleas, online court documents state.