McKees Rocks Man Pleads Guilty To Drug, Gun Charges
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of McKees Rocks, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal drug and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Devon Duell, 26, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on May 23, 2010, Duell possessed with intent to distribute less than five grams of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin. Duell, a convicted felon, also possessed a Ruger .357 magnum caliber revolver. Since Duell has previously been convicted of a felony offense, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm.
Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Duell remain detained without bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Duell.
