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Investigative Press Release

Clearfield County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Charges in DEA-Led Investigation

PITTSBURGH, PA – A former resident of Woodland, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and firearms laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.

Justin Zeruth, age 35, pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Zeruth was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the ClarionBorough Police Department.