Pittsburgh Felon Illegally Possessed Cocaine, Crack, Pistol and Ammunition

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

John Hornezes, 44, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around September, 2016, and continuing thereafter to November 30, 2017, Hornezes conspired with others known and unknown, to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Additionally, on November 30, 2017, Hornezes possessed with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack, a Schedule II controlled substance. Further, on November 30, 2017, Hornezes possessed a Ruger, Model P89, 9mm caliber pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition, even though he had previously been convicted of a felony offense, which prohibits him from possessing any firearm or ammunition.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 9, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, 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 Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jerome A. Moschetta are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A federally administered Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of John Hornezes. The task force is headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is comprised of members drawn from the Borough of Baldwin Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, Munhall Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania State Police. The Stowe Township Police Department also provided assistance in this investigation. The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.