Bronx Man Pleads Guilty in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Pedro Rosario, age 27, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rosario conspired with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute, and possessed with intent to distribute over 100 grams of heroin.

The Court was further advised that on October 14, 2015, one of Rosario’s co-conspirators made arrangements to sell one hundred bricks of heroin for $14,500, and to advance an additional 50 bricks of heroin. Rosario and another of his co-conspirators, Shawn Robinson, arrived at the Hyatt Place in Robinson Township to deliver the heroin. When they arrived, Robinson was carrying a black plastic shopping bag. Inside of the shopping bag, officers recovered a clear plastic vacuum-sealed bag containing 150 bricks of heroin, weighing 185.92g.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2019. 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. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Rosario remain detained.

Assistant United States Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rosario.