Family Bound For Trial in Alleged California to Venango Co. Postal Mail Drug Trafficking Scheme

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published July 18, 2014 1:26 pm
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grahams-2FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — Four family members accused of postal mail drug trafficking from California to Venango County are headed to trial.

According to a published article in South Carolina Daily Times, 21-year-old Gary Richard Graham; 21-year-old Matthew Charles Graham; 41-year-old Graydon Dean Graham; and 69-year-old Dean Charles Graham were taken into custody following a June 25, 2014, encounter.

In a preliminary hearing Wednesday before District Judge Michael Snyder, all four defendants were ordered to stand trial.

Gary Graham was ordered to stand trial on the following charges:

– one count Corrupt Organizations — Employee
– two counts of Conspiracy To Violate 911b1, 911b2, 911b3
– one count Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– three counts Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– one count Criminal Use Of Communication Facility

Matthew Graham was ordered to stand trial on the following charges:

– one count Corrupt Organizations — Employee
– two counts of Conspiracy To Violate 911b1, 911b2, 911b3
– one count Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– three counts Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– one count Criminal Use Of Communication Facility

Graydon Graham was ordered to stand trial on the following charges:

– one count Corrupt Organizations — Employee
– two counts Conspiracy To Violate 911b1, 911b2, 911b3
– one count Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– one count Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– one count Criminal Use Of Communication Facility

Dean Graham was ordered to stand trial on the following charges:

– one count Corrupt Organizations — Employee
– two counts Conspiracy To Violate 911b1, 911b2, 911b3
– one count Conspiracy — Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– three counts Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver
– one count Criminal Use Of Communication Facility

Bail has been denied for all four defendants, who are currently being housed in the Venango County Jail.

According to court documents, the reason for the denial: Defendant(s) fled California to avoid arrest and was arrested in South Carolina. Defendants are believed to be an extreme flight risk.

Trial dates have not yet been set.

On February 22, 2014, Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced the breakup of a cross-country drug trafficking ring responsible for distributing at least $700,000 worth of marijuana and $100,000 worth of cocaine in Venango County.

“This case illustrates my priority of protecting all Pennsylvanians — not just those in urban areas,” Attorney General Kane said. “Drug trafficking organizations know no geographic boundaries; neither should law enforcement.”

According to the criminal complaints, Dean Graham and Graydon Graham, both former residents of Franklin living in California, contacted David Reed about shipping marijuana and cocaine to Venango County through the U.S. Postal Service.

Parcels were allegedly shipped at least twice a month over the past year to Reed’s Bredinsburg Road residence. Once the packages were received, Reed allegedly enlisted the help of family and friends to distribute the drugs throughout Venango County.

Agents believe that at least one kilo of cocaine and hundreds of pounds of marijuana made their way across the country from California to Venango County through the Postal Service.

Law enforcement in California executed a number of search warrants and seized 300 live marijuana plants and two vehicles. Search warrants in Pennsylvania and California resulted in the seizure of $18,000 cash and a gun.

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