Two Pittsburgh-area Men Charged with Violating Federal Drug, Robbery and Gun Laws

PITTSBURGH – Two Pittsburgh-area residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics, robbery, and firearms laws Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The six-count indictment, returned on September 26, 2017 and unsealed September 27, named Kahlil Shelton and Deron Howell.

According to the indictment, from August 4, 2017 to August 7, 2017, Shelton and Howell conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 kilograms or less of marijuana and did possess with the intent to distribute 50 kilograms or less of marijuana on August 7, 2017. Both are also charged with conspiring to commit Hobbs Act Robbery as well as committing the robbery itself on August 7, 2017. The indictment also charges that both men possessed a firearm in furtherance of both a drug trafficking crime and a crime of violence, and that the firearm was discharged in furtherance of committing those crimes.

Both face a total mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 10 years in prison up to a maximum sentence of life, a fine of not more than $250,000, 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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Cranberry Township Police Department 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.