Two Cambria County Residents Indicted for Methamphetamine Trafficking

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - Two residents of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Dustin Blough, 30, of South Fork and Charles Triplin, 48, of Johnstown were named as the sole defendants in separate Indictments.

According to the seven-count Indictment against Blough, in and around September and October 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Blough possessed with intent to distribute various quantities-including 500 grams or more on one occasion, and 50 grams or more on another-of mixtures and substances containing methamphetamine. Further, in and around November 2024, Blough possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, along with quantities of fentanyl. During that same November period, Blough-who had been previously convicted of a felony-unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Indictment additionally charges Blough with possessing with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl and heroin on various dates in and around August 2024.

According to the one-count Indictment against Triplin, in and around December 2025, Triplin possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Triplin had previously been convicted in August 2023 of attempting to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl (read the guilty plea news release related to this case here).

For each defendant, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Both defendants have been ordered detained pending trial.

Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Maureen Sheehan-Balchon are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Cambria County Drug Task Force, and Cambria County District Attorney's Office conducted the investigations leading to the Indictments.

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