Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Felony Charges against Four Drug Dealers following Raid in Monroeville
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced Operation Family Ties, an 18-month investigation that led to felony drug charges against four Monroeville residents following a raid in which officers seized crack cocaine and cash totaling $18,000. During the operation, authorities also confiscated five guns, including an AK-47 assault rifle.
Kenneth Eason, Jr., 33, Kenneth Eason, 64, Sheila Eason, 63, and Steve Eason, 30, were all charged with possession with intent to deliver – a felony – and other drug-related offenses. All reside in the 4500 block of Old William Penn Highway in Monroeville, where the drugs and contraband were seized. In addition to the drugs and the assault rifle, Office of Attorney General agents, working with local police, confiscated a 12-gauge shotgun, AR-15 rifle, .9 mm handgun, revolver and ammunition.
“Our agents worked with police in Allegheny County on this investigation involving a family of drug dealers who were selling crack cocaine and other drugs in their community,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “A lot of law enforcement cooperation – and smart detective work – went into these arrests and seizures. I want to thank the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Allegheny County police, and Penn Hills and Monroeville police for their strong collaboration on this case.”
The investigation began in October 2014 when police learned Kenneth Eason Jr. and Steven Eason, who are brothers, were selling crack cocaine in Penn Hills and Monroeville. Over the course of the 18-month investigation, local police, working with Office of Attorney General agents, made controlled buys of crack cocaine from the Eason brothers.
The evidence developed during the investigation led agents to execute yesterday’s operation at the Eason residence on Old William Penn Highway, where they arrested Kenneth Eason Sr., Sheila and Steve Eason. Eason Jr. was not home at the time the operation took place, but was later spotted by investigators driving nearby. A chase ensued, Eason Jr. eluded authorities, and he remains at large.
“By working together, law enforcement broke up this ring peddling poison in Penn Hills and Monroeville, charged the dealers – and confiscated their drugs, guns and money,” Attorney General Shapiro said. “We’re working every day with our law enforcement partners to make communities safer throughout the Commonwealth.”
Kenneth Eason, Sheila Eason and Steve Eason were taken into custody and charged. Bail was set at $50,000 for each and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 3. The defendants will be prosecuted by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.
