The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rhashean Strange, 35, of Shenandoah was sentenced on June 10, by U.S. District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani, to 14 years’ imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin.

According to U.S. Attorney David J. Freed, Strange previously pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy during 2014 and 2015. Strange admitted that he and others in the conspiracy distributed between 1 and 3 kilograms of heroin, which is approximately equivalent to between 40,000 and 120,000 retail bags of heroin. The heroin was obtained from suppliers in Paterson, New Jersey, and Hazleton.

Strange, who used the street name “Chicago,” was the leader of the drug conspiracy and possessed firearms in connection with the criminal activity.

Judge Mariani also ordered Strange to serve five years on supervised release following his prison sentence, and to forfeit firearms and his share of cash seized during the investigation.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.