An Erie man has been sentenced to over two decades in prison, followed by supervised release, for his role in leading a widespread methamphetamine operation that extended across multiple states.
John C. Bisbee, a former resident of Erie, has been handed a hefty sentence by a federal judge. The 44-year-old has been sentenced to 252 months, which is equivalent to 21 years, in federal prison. In addition to the prison term, Bisbee will also face five years of supervised release. The charges against him include conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit money laundering, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
From July 2019 to June 2020, Bisbee’s organization focused its operations mainly in Erie and the surrounding areas. During this time, they successfully transported and distributed multiple kilograms of methamphetamine procured from a supplier based in Atlanta.
During the raid on his residence in 2020, law enforcement discovered two handguns and over 100 rounds of ammunition. Furthermore, they also confiscated a substantial amount of cash and jewelry, totaling more than $305,000.
Bisbee later confessed to using the proceeds from the drug sales to invest in real estate in Erie, as a means to disguise the illicit profits.
The second member of the operation, Bisbee, has been sentenced following the sentencing of co-defendant Alexis Brolin Jr. in September 2024. Brolin Jr. was in charge of running operations in the Clearfield PA area and received a 17-year prison sentence.
According to U.S. Attorney Olshan, John Bisbee was a significant methamphetamine trafficker in the Erie area. His network extended across northwestern and central Pennsylvania and into New York. U.S. Attorney Olshan emphasized the dangerous combination of drugs and firearms in our communities. The 21-year sentence given to Bisbee, along with Alexis Brolin’s recent 17-year sentence, highlights the determination of law enforcement at all levels to pursue the most dangerous offenders in this district, utilizing the full force of federal law.
In August 2024, Bisbee and 37 others were indicted after an 18-month investigation, with allegations of their involvement in the organization.