Felon Charged with Drug and Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Allegheny County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on Oct. 9, named Romello Edward Jones, age 20, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on May 6, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Jones possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl, which are scheduled controlled substances under federal law. The Indictment further alleges that on May 6, 2019, Jones, a convicted felon, unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of 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.