Pittsburgh Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Firearms Violations

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

Derrick Jones, 34, pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in July of 2017, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police had been surveilling Jones for suspected narcotics distribution out of his residence at 720 Hampshire Avenue in Pittsburgh. Successive trash pulls revealed packaging and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking and items with cocaine and crack cocaine residue. On July 21, 2017, Pittsburgh Police executed a search warrant at the residence and discovered a hanging basket in the dining room containing powder cocaine, baking soda, and drug packaging supplies. In various locations throughout the house, police recovered six firearms including an AK style assault rifle, additional powder cocaine and crack, and $4,578.00 in United States currency, as well as supplies for making crack cocaine. The defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and maintaining a drug-involved premises. The court was further informed that Jones has a prior drug felony conviction and, as such, he is subject to enhanced penalties.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for April 30, 2020, at 9:00 am. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Jones remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.