Pittsburgh Man on State Parole Gets 5 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl

PITTSBURGH – Dontae Saunders was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl (i.e., methoxyacetyl fentanyl) when he was on state parole following heroin trafficking and gun convictions, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Saunders, age 30, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge David S. Cercone. Saunders was also sentenced to serve six years of supervised release following his prison term. Prior to imposing the sentence, the Court was informed that, on November 27, 2017, Saunders distributed methoxyacetyl fentanyl to an undercover detective. When other detectives then attempted to approach and arrest Saunders immediately following the drug deal, Saunders drove recklessly and almost hit two of the detectives.

Saunders had previously been convicted of (1) heroin trafficking and gun crimes in 2013, (2) an additional heroin trafficking crime in 2011, and (3) additional gun and assault crimes in 2010.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the conviction and sentence in this case.