Former McKeesport Resident Charged with Drug and Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH – One former Allegheny County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The three-count indictment named Deondre Lee Purter, age 23, formerly of McKeesport, PA as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on September 15, 2017, Purter possessed with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine base. Also on September 15, 2017, Purter, a convicted felon, was in possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. As a convicted felon, Purter is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than five years in prison to a maximum of life, and a fine of up to $1,500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency 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.