The case against 19 suspects charged in connection to a cocaine trafficking operation in Erie and Crawford Counties is now moving forward.

A total of 10 defendants were scheduled to appear in court Monday for their preliminary hearings.

Three of the suspects - Michelle Harden, James Jones and David Walton - waived their right to a hearing.

Three other suspects had their cases continued.

Another defendant, Ellis Munson, was a no-show, so police have issued a warrant for his arrest.

Investigators set up drug transactions with marked bills and collected a total of seven kilograms of cocaine with a street value of about $700,000.

Prosecutors said the ring was led by Tommy Howard, 46. Agents said Howard traveled to Meadville three days per week to sell controlled substances.

Police also charge Catfish Kitchen owner Rahman Hooks. His businesses, along with two other Crawford County homes, were raided by investigators.

Harden, who Erie News Now learned was a parking enforcement officer for the Erie Parking Authority, is also charged with obstructing law enforcement and hindering apprehension.

Investigators said she was caught tipping off suspects that they were being watched by undercover officers, allegedly telling them the location of agents who were conducting surveillance on Catfish Kitchen.