Federal authorities say seventeen people have been charged in connection with a drug trafficking operation that brought cocaine from Puerto Rico into the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys.

Several agencies took part in an investigation that resulted in federal indictments being handed up against suspects from New Castle, Ellwood City, Youngstown, and Puerto Rico.

The accused, some of whom could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted, face violations of federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws.

Investigators claim that between September 2022 and March 2024, the suspects were involved in a conspiracy to sell cocaine in the Youngstown and New Castle area.

According to the indictments, those charged would either use the U.S. Mail or personally transport drugs from Puerto Rico to Western Pennsylvania, Ohio.

Two of the defendants, 47-year-old Daniel Feliciano and 34-year-old Markus Hobel, both from New Castle, allegedly possessed firearms to further drug trafficking efforts.

Another defendant, 39-year-old Jamie Klinesmith of Ellwood City, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Other defendants include:

Luciano Bratini Rivera, 36; Dorothy Myers, 41; Glenn Samuels, 32; Kevin Tulla Torres, 28; Luis Rivera Otero, 37; Franchely Vazquez, 31; all of New Castle.

Amanda Kelosky, 37; Thomas James Myers, 45; Lindsay Ostrom, 37; all of Ellwood City.

Rubel Sanchez, 21, and Rueben Noel Sanchez, 28; both of Youngstown, Roberto Muniz Sanchez, 45, of Rochester, PA, as well as 39-year-old Antonio Bernacett and 37-year-old Jean Sanchez Tulla, both of Puerto Rico.

"Today's indictments represent an important step toward dismantling a multi-state drug trafficking operation that brought significant quantities of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Western Pennsylvania and our neighbors in Ohio," said U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan.

A complete list of charges and possible penalties may be seen below: