Former Turtle Creek Resident Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking

PITTSBURGH, PA -A former resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Jerry Coker, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 11, 2016, Coker’s sister and codefendant, Marleka Robinson, obtained a large quantity of fentanyl from a distributor in the Knoxville section of Pittsburgh at Coker’s request. Robinson returned the drugs to the residence she shared with Coker and their other sister, codefendant Monique Robinson. A search warrant executed at the Coker residence the following day resulted in the seizure of more than 285 grams of fentanyl and small quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug packaging, weighing, and distributing materials were found strewn through the house, along with two Smith & Wesson pistols and $8,900 in cash, all of which was seized by law enforcement.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2020 at 2:15 p.m. The defendant will remain incarcerated pending the sentencing hearing. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Coker has a prior conviction for a serious felony drug offense and, as such, he is subject to enhanced penalties.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Coker.