Safe Streets Task Force Investigation Leads to Charges Against 14 Area Men
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Fourteen Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and/or firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. The defendants were charged in eight separate, but related, indictments, which were returned on April 17 and unsealed today.
"The takedown of these East Hills Bloods' members and associates, combined with our recent prosecutions of the Crips and OG's operating on Pittsburgh's North Side, demonstrate our strong commitment to ensuring safe neighborhoods for law-abiding citizens," said U.S. Attorney Hickton. "Eliminating narco-gang activity is a priority of this office and the arrest and detention of these defendants will have a significant, positive and long-lasting impact on violent crime in the East Hills."
A two-count indictment named:
- Faheem Jackson, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa.;
- Anthony Lemon, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pa.;
- Roy Lemon, 24, of Pittsburgh, Pa.;
- Dorian Madden, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pa.;
- Ramon Portis, 19, of Verona, Pa.; and
- Dewan Valentine, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as defendants.
According to the indictment, the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense from August 2011 to April 2012.
A two-count indictment named:
- Deondre Steave, 19, of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and
- Sherron Whitehead, 22, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as defendants.
According to the indictment, from August 2011 to March 2012, Steave and Whitehead conspired to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. In addition, on Dec. 2, 2011, Steave and Whitehead possessed with the intent to distribute heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both.
A two-count indictment named:
- Anthony Ellis, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Ellis is charged with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking offense from September 2011 to April 2012.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 60 years in prison, a fine of $5,250,000, or both.
A two-count indictment named:
- Damon Agurs, 39, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from December 2011 to April 2012, Agurs conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and possessed with intent to distribute heroin.
A one-count indictment named:
- Ronald Ashby, 20, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from January 2012 to April 2012, Ashby conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
A two-count indictment named:
- Juan Gordon, 39, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, from February 2012 to April 2012, Gordon conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Also on April 9, 2012, Gordon possessed with intent to distribute and distributed heroin.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both.
A two-count indictment named:
- Tory Bryant, 25, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, on Feb. 10, 2012 and April 3, 2012, Bryant possessed with intent to distribute and/or distributed heroin.
A one-count indictment named:
- Monty Grinage, 33, of Rankin, Pa., as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment, Grinage possessed with intent to distribute heroin on March 28, 2012.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000.000, or both.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this cases on behalf of the government.
The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force consisting of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Police Dept., Oakdale Police Dept, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in these cases.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
