Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Large-Scale Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Thomas Poole, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before Senior District Judge Arthur J. Schwab to the one-count Indictment charging Poole with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated a wiretap investigation, primarily targeting cocaine trafficking in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that from in and around August 2016, to on or about November 30, 2017, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Poole conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 15 kilograms but less than 50 kilograms of cocaine. The court was further advised that on November 30, 2017, investigators seized $144,785 in U.S. currency, jewelry, a Honda Odyssey and approximately six kilograms of cocaine from residences associated with the defendant.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing October 24, 2019 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, 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 Attorneys Jerome A. Moschetta and Rebecca L. Silinski are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the plea in this case.