Lower Burrell Man Named In 79-Count Indictment Charging Violations Of Federal Drug, Gun And Money Laundering Laws

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Lower Burrell, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics, firearms and money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The 79-count superseding indictment named Omali McKay, 27, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around 2006, and continuing thereafter to on or about Aug. 25, 2012, McKay conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack. Additionally, on or about Aug. 25, 2012, McKay possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessed an assault-type rifle in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

The superseding indictment further charges that from in and around May 2011, and continuing thereafter to on or about Aug. 25, 2011, McKay conspired with others to launder the proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking. McKay then laundered the proceeds of the illegal drug trafficking and engaged in monetary transactions in property derived from the illegal drug trafficking.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Lower Burrell Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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