McKeesport Man Illegally Possessed Fentanyl and a Pistol

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marcaius Butler, Jr., age 21, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 21, 2017, Butler possessed with the intent to distribute fentanyl, and also possessed a Ruger pistol in furtherance of that crime.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for February 1, 2019 at 1 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years of imprisonment and up to life in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Butler’s bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Butler.