Uncovering a Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Operation in Western Pennsylvania
Federal authorities conducted an extensive wiretap investigation, revealing a serious network of drug trafficking involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine in Western Pennsylvania.
On Thursday, July 24, 2025, three Pennsylvania residents were sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a major drug distribution scheme that lasted from approximately April 2019 to July 2021.
One of the convicted, in addition to drug trafficking, also faced charges for illegal firearm possession.
The Sentences for the Convicted Individuals Include:
- Azheem Ellis, 49, from Philadelphia, received a 96-month prison sentence (8 years) followed by five years of supervised release.
- James Dotson, 47, from Johnstown, was sentenced to 180 months (15 years) in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervision.
- Sandra Box, 59, of East Conemaugh, was sentenced to 33 months (almost 3 years) imprisonment, followed by three years on supervised release.
The court presented compelling evidence detailing how Ellis distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, meth, heroin, cocaine, and crack, while Dotson was involved in even larger quantities, including hefty amounts of meth and crack cocaine, along with illegally possessing a firearm in 2021.
Meanwhile, Box contributed to the conspiracy by distributing heroin and crack during a period from February to April 2021.
This operation was significantly aided by the use of a federal wiretap, which recorded the defendants coordinating the distribution and acquisition of these illegal substances. Both Ellis and Dotson emerged as key figures in this listening investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon led the prosecution against these offenders for the government.
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