Oakmont Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Possession of Firearms

This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 36 months of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Melvin Gaines, 30, of the Oakmont neighborhood of Pittsburgh, on November 12, 2025.

According to the information presented to the Court, between March 2024 and July 2024, Gaines participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine by functioning as a redistributor of the controlled substances. In addition, Gaines was found to be in possession of two firearms, one of which was stolen; numerous magazines; and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Gaines is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gaines.