Two Charged with Conspiring to Possess and Possessing 5 Kilos or More of Cocaine

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Pennsylvania man and a Texas man have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment named the defendants as Eric Timbers, 42, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, and Lino Espinoza, 44, formerly of Houston, Texas.

According to the Indictment, from June 2017 to March 21, 2019, Timbers and Espinoza conspired to possess with intent distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Both defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on March 21, 2019.

The law provides for a minimum total sentence of not less than 10 years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000.00 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Czarnecki and Senior Deputy Attorney General Katherine Wymard of the Pennsylvania Attorney General Office’s Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office with the assistance of the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.