Duquesne Residents Charged with Violating Drug Laws following Investigation by DEA and Local Police

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two residents of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count indictment, returned on September 18 and unsealed today, named Donte Taylor, age 36,and Ericka Smith, age 38, as defendants.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on or about May 10, 2018, Taylor possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and quantities of mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance and marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment charges Smith with aiding and abetting Taylor with commission of the offense.

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 would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Duquesne Police Department 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.