Two New Jersey Residents Indicted in Johnstown on Drug Charges

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two New Jersey residents were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on May 7, 2019, on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count indictment named Jamel T. Brown, 37, and Beatrice Ortiz, 31, both of Camden, New Jersey.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on October 25, 2018, Brown and Ortiz distributed more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," and possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of $5,000,000 or both for each Brown and Ortiz. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Brown and Ortiz.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.