HARRISBURG – Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of two individuals, as part of an investigation into drug trafficking in Lawrence County. The six month investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations resulted in the arrest of Detroit native, Dennis Reid, and his girlfriend, Elizabeth Basham. During the investigation, agents learned Reid was trafficking cocaine and other illegal drugs across state lines from Detroit, Michigan to New Castle, Pennsylvania.
On August 24, 2022, agents executed a search warrant on Reid’s New Castle residence and a storage facility where they recovered approximately 1,688 grams of cocaine, 2 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 84 grams of heroin and 4 firearms. Reid is a convicted felon who is not legally able to possess a firearm.
“The firearms confiscated in this search are a reminder that drug trafficking is a violent enterprise,” said AG Shapiro. “My office is committed to keeping our communities safe and holding those accountable who profit off of drug trafficking. Thanks to the hard work of agents with my office and our partners, the Lawrence County District Attorney Special Investigations Unit and the New Castle Police Department, we were able to take these dangerous individuals off the streets.”
The Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Narcotics Investigation was assisted in their investigation by the Lawrence County District Attorney Special Investigations Unit and the New Castle Police Department.
Dennis Reid has been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, illegally possessing a firearm, dealing in proceeds of illegal activities and conspiracy. Elizabeth Basham was charged with dealing in proceeds of illegal activities and conspiracy.
These cases are being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Cotter. All charges are accusations. The defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty.
