Duquesne Man Charged with Possessing Cocaine

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment named John Byrnes, 43, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about June 6, 2020, Byrnes possessed with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years in prison to a term of life, a fine not to exceed $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the prior record, if any, of the defendant and the seriousness of the offenses.

Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The DEA and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, Narcotics Task Force (DANET) assisted by the Swissvale and Ross Township Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.