Five Indicted on Meth Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA – Four residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and one resident of Cypress, California, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The three-count Indictment names the following five individuals:

• Zachary Miller, 27, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania;

• Alan Masecar, 33, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania;

• Joshua Birrell, 37, of Cypress, California;

• Samuel Miller, 25, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; and

• Jessica Palmer, 39, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

According to the Indictment, from September 2017 to August 2020, the five defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment further charges Masecar with attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about December 23, 2019. The Indictment further charges Zachary Miller and Palmer with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about February 15, 2020.

Zachary Miller is a fugitive from justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 412-432-4000. (SEE NOTE BELOW)

The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000 or both, as to Count One, and a total sentence of not less than five years to a maximum of forty years in prison, a fine not to exceed $5,000,000 or both, as to Counts Two and Three. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentences imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations.

This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program, known as OCDETF. OCDETF was established in 1982 to support comprehensive investigations and prosecutions of major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations. It is the keystone of the drug reduction strategy of the Department of Justice. By combining the resources and expertise of federal agencies and their state and local law enforcement partners, OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the most serious drug trafficking, money laundering, and transnational criminal organizations.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NOTE: Zachary Miller self-surrendered to FBI on August 16, 2020.