Pittsburgh Man Admits Role in Detroit to Pittsburgh Oxycodone Distribution Scheme

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Max Matthew Guardalabene, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Guardalabene was a lower-level distributor for a Detroit-to-Pittsburgh oxycodone ring operated by Telano White and Brandy Bara.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for 9 a.m. on March 23, 2016. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Guardalabene.