Grand Jury Charges 2 Local Men With Drug Law Violations
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ One resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., and one resident of New Kensington, Penn., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The four‑count indictment named Lloyd Benjamin, 40, of Pittsburgh, Penn., and Darnelle Wade, 26, of New Kensington, Penn.
According to the indictment, from May 2010 and continuing until June 30, 2010, Benjamin and Wade conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distributed more than 100 grams of heroin. On June 2, 2010 and June 30, 2010, Benjamin possessed with intent to distribute and distributed less than 100 grams of heroin. Also, on June 11, 2010, Wade possessed with intent to distribute and distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.
The law provides for a sentence of not less than five years in prison to a maximum of 40 years in prison for both defendants, and/or a fine of $4,000,000 for Benjamin and a fine of $3,000,000 for Wade. 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 Barbara K. Swartz is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
