Jefferson Hills Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearms Charges

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Jefferson Hills, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Alonzo Henry Griffin Jr., 24, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan to a three-count Information charging Griffin with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of crack cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on November 13, 2024, following the execution of a federal search warrant at Griffin’s residence, law enforcement recovered over 1,200 bricks of fentanyl, crack cocaine, two stolen and loaded semi-automatic pistols, and an AR-style semi-automatic rifle. Law enforcement also seized $4,500 in U.S. currency from the residence along with drug trafficking paraphernalia. Griffin was previously convicted on a state drug trafficking offense and for aggravated assault. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for July 28, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10,500,000, or both. 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.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division’s Southwest Strike Force Unit and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Griffin.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.