Local woman, 2 others plead guilty to cross-state drug trafficking ring participation
A U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson says Melissa Frain, 36, of Indiana, entered a guilty plea on May 30 to charges of violating federal narcotics laws.
Also pleading were Robert Hurst, 46, of North Royalton, Ohio, and Kevin Thomas, 48, of Newark, N.J.
Officials say the three are among 27 people charged in March 2023 for their alleged participation in a cross-state narcotics conspiracy involving large amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, crack and heroin.
Between about September 2021 and January 2022, Frain is said to have conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute quantities of mixtures of cocaine, fentanyl and crack.
The defendants will be sentenced on Sept. 17. They could face up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million or both.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Beach visitors risk 'arrest' for swimming without lifeguard following tragic incident
Following a dramatic rescue earlier this week in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, local officials are announcing they will be strictly enforcing after-hours beach time. Six individuals were caught in a rip current at Webster Avenue Beach about 100 yards offshore, according to the Jersey Shore Fire Response. (See the video at the top of this article.) The beach did not have lifeguards on duty at the time of the incident. The Seaside Heights Fire Department deployed a rescuer with a jet ski, successfully bringing the victims back to shore while a seventh person was taken to the hospital and tragically pronounced dead. Mayor Anthony Vaz clarified to Fox News Digital that they will not be closing the beaches — but the ocean. "Our focus is the ocean. We don't want anybody in the ocean," said Vaz. The beach will continue to be closed between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., with the possibility of an even earlier time period if the water is deemed too dangerous. Seaside Heights will be adding more law enforcement to enforce the rule, it also said. "Beaches set swimming hours to provide specific times when swimmers will be protected by lifeguards on duty." "They'll be there the rest of the season, chasing people out of the water at five o'clock," said Vaz. "If [people] refuse to get out, we'll [give them a summons]. And if they get really arrogant — I hope not — they'll be arrested," he said. Other beaches across the country have been implementing similar plans due to safety concerns. In December, Virginia Beach officials ruled that lifeguards would remain on their stands longer, extending through the second weekend of September, following three deaths last fall, according to local outlet 13 News Now. In Escambia County, Florida, beach rules indicate there should be no swimming or wading in the Gulf of America during double red flag conditions. The rule states that violators could be punished with a fine of under $500 or by imprisonment in the county jail (not to exceed 60 days) or both, according to its government site. It also states that any person rescued in the Gulf of America will be banned from returning for 24 hours. There were 49 rip current deaths so far this year as of Monday and that number now stands at 52, according to the National Weather Service. Tom Gill, United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) vice president, told Fox News Digital that it's important for visitors to "only swim when lifeguards are on duty." "One reason beaches set swimming hours is to provide specific times when swimmers will be protected by lifeguards on duty," said Gill. "The USLA has determined the chance of a fatal drowning on a guarded beach is 1 in 18 million," he said. "Besides the safety aspect, the cost and resources required to initiate a full drowning response after hours also factor into the decision-making."
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Penn State University fraternity suspended following hazing investigation
A fraternity at Penn State University has been suspended following an investigation into hazing allegations. The university says that the Lambda Lambda chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma has been suspended for a minimum of four years. The investigation into the allegations began in March after the university says it received credible reports of hazing that including physical abuse, mental abuse, and forced physical activity. When the investigation began, the chapter was placed on an interim suspension that has now been made official. The university says if the fraternity wants to return following the four-year suspension, it will be subject two years of probation. One student has been held accountable for actions, the university said, adding that a second student is no longer enrolled and is "ineligible for continued enrollment pending the outcome of the conduct process." The university says students and the organization itself are facing misdemeanor charges under Pennsylvania law that was enacted after a student died following hazing incidents at a Penn State fraternity. "Hazing has no place at Penn State," the university said. "The University remains committed to holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that endanger the safety and well-being of our students. Addressing hazing requires the collective effort of our entire community — students, faculty, staff, alumni, national organizations, and families — to foster a culture that prioritizes respect, accountability and the health and safety of every student." The university didn't say how many students are facing charges.
Fox News
2 hours ago
- Fox News
Should Parents be Liable for Child's Behavior?
Should the parents of juvenile delinquents be locked up too? I'm Tomi Lahren, more next. When you hear of juveniles behaving badly or criminally, it's not uncommon to wonder about their parenting or lack thereof. Well a new law passed this summer in Gloucester Township, New Jersey is taking the concept to new heights. It's called 'Minors and Parent Responsibility' and states that parents will be held 'accountable for public disturbances caused by' their child, AND could go to jail for 3 months if their offspring are found guilty of multiple offenses. The law is reportedly in response to a massive teen brawl that broke out in the township last year. The offenses covered under this law range from 'destruction of playground equipment' to 'loitering.' A child would have to be found guilty repeatedly in juvenile court before their parent or guardian could face 90 days in prison and/or a fine up to $2 thousand bucks. This might be a bit radical, but it's sure to have parents a lot more aware of their child's antics! I'm not against it. I'm Tomi Lahren and you can watch my show 'Tomi Lahren is Fearless' at Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
