East Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty In Drug Distribution Scheme

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Allen William Turner, 46, of East Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from September 2013 to December 2013, Turner conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Nov. 14, 2014, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for each count, of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

This prosecution is the result of a federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Other participating agencies include the Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Munhall Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department.