FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAMBRIA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE PRESS RELEASE

July 29, 2026

Cambria County District Attorney, Jessica F. Aurandt, releases the following:

The Cambria County Drug Task Force concluded a five (5) month long investigation during which officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from various targets utilizing confidential informants and undercover officers. This resulted in the purchases of heroin, fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine and other controlled substances. Officers from multiple agencies worked together to identify sources of the narcotics being transported into Cambria County – identifying Philadelphia and Pittsburgh as the primary source cities. This strategic investigation culminated on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 when members of the Cambria County Drug Task Force executed a warrant raid of twenty-one (21) targets in the City of Johnstown, Cambria County.

Officers arrested fourteen (14) of the twenty-one (21) targets today. The individuals apprehended

are as follows:

Daquan Brown (24)

Lindsay Miller (44)

Donielle Townsend (41)

Paula Pcola (45)

Matthew Zabala (43)

Codi Smith (29)

Johnny Carter (42)

Kato Perry (31)

Michelle Hill (41)

Dashaun Carmichael (46)

Ziare Pittman (28)

Michael Hall (38)

Jimmy Ryles (39)

Eric Ponder (40)

Additionally, Christopher Latz (51), was encountered and arrested during the sweep on a Cambria County Sheriff’s warrant.

Those apprehended were arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Kevin Price on criminal charges stemming from this investigation and were transported to the Cambria County Prison. They will be prosecuted by the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office.

While officers were conducting apprehensions across the City, two search warrants were also applied for and approved. The first search warrant was executed on 1201 Solomon St, Building 15, Apt 284, Johnstown. Upon officers’ searching the residence, seven (7) suspected pressed methamphetamine pills and $702 in U.S. Currency were found. Charges are forthcoming.

The second search warrant was executed at 1138 Barnett Street, Johnstown. Officers seized $1,424

in U.S. Currency, 1.3 grams of methamphetamine, and 1.3 grams of crack cocaine. Charges are forthcoming.

Officers are currently holding active felony arrest warrants for the following wanted individuals:

Darren Alston (34), Johnstown, PA

Nifeece Brown (30) Johnstown, PA

Tessa Chiappini (38) Johnstown, PA

Justin Pileski (30) Johnstown, PA

John Noon (40) Johnstown, PA

George Robinson (35) Johnstown, PA

Ralph Munoz (44) Johnstown, PA

This complex investigation and successful apprehension of targets exemplify what can be achieved through the collaboration of various law enforcement entities. The participating agencies in this effort include the Richland Township Police Department, Cambria Township Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detectives Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Cambria County District Attorney's Office, West Hills Regional Police Department, Cambria County Prison, ATF, HSI, U.S. Marshals, Pennsylvania State Police, and the PA Office of Attorney General BNI.

The Cambria County DA’s Office would also like to acknowledge and thank the Magisterial Court offices for their assistance with numerous criminal complaints, warrants and arraignments.