New Jersey Man Charged With Drug And Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH - A New Jersey man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count superseding indictment named Peter Woodley, 34, formerly of Plainfield, New Jersey.

According to the superseding indictment, Woodley conspired with others to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin between December 2011 and August 2012. The Superseding Indictment also alleges that Woodley possessed a firearm on Sept. 17, 2012, after having been convicted of seven different felony crimes. In addition, in the early morning hours of March 20, 2013, he was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police at the Greyhound bus station in downtown Pittsburgh after transporting heroin from New Jersey.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $11 million, 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, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.