Former McKees Rocks Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Fentanyl

PITTSBURGH, PA –A former resident of McKees Rocks, PA, has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Terrance Murphy, 46, entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon to one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Murphy has been detained since his initial appearance and will remain detained pending sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for August 9, 2019 at 10 a.m.

According to information presented to the court, on or about November 8, 2017, the FBI Opioid Task Force was conducting an investigation into Murphy. On that same date, members of the Task Force observed Murphy leave his home in McKees Rocks and enter an SUV. A traffic stop was later conducted on the SUV Murphy was driving and a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 26 grams of fentanyl. Murphy would later admit to FBI investigators that he was a fentanyl distributor and would buy and sell fentanyl in the Pittsburgh area.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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 Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Jeffrey R. Bengel are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.