Federal Jury Convicts Pittsburgh-area Felon of Drug and Gun Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA – After deliberating for approximately three hours, a former resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was convicted by a jury of seven men and five women for violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Douglas Tyrone Williams, Jr., aka "Chrome", 39, was convicted late yesterday of four counts before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

The evidence presented at trial established that on or about July 20, 2016, Williams possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. In addition, Williams conspired with others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

Williams was also charged with possessing a (stolen) 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Ruger pistol; a 9 mm caliber semi-automatic Beretta pistol with an obliterated serial number; a (stolen) .45 caliber semi-automatic Para-Ordnance pistol; a (stolen) .22 caliber semi-automatic American Tactical Imports military-style rifle; and a (stolen) .22 caliber semi-automatic CBC military-style rifle along with various ammunition. The jury found Williams guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug-trafficking offenses, as well as possessing a firearm and/or ammunition after having been convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. Williams’ prior convictions include Aggravated Assault, Illegally Possessing a Firearm, and Third Degree Murder. Under federal law, a person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in jail is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Chief Judge Hornak indicated that sentencing would be scheduled for a future date. The defendant remains incarcerated pending his sentencing date. The law provides for a total sentence of at least 10 years and up to life, a fine of up to $12,500,000, or both for his drug and firearm offenses. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Chad Parks, a prosecutor with the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Williams, Jr. with significant assistance from many other law enforcement departments including the Pennsylvania State Police, the Coraopolis Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monessen Police Department, the Robinson Township Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.