Two Pittsburgh Men Indicted on Federal Drug and Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH - Two residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The six-count Indictment named Brandon Washington, 34, and Damone Porter, 33, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, on or about March 4, 15 and 18, 2021, Washington possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine and/or cocaine base. The Indictment further alleges that Washington possessed a firearm in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime and that Washington was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition because he is a convicted felon. Additionally, the Indictment charges Porter, a convicted felon, with illegally possessing a firearm on or about March 18, 2021.

With respect to Washington, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life in prison, a fine of $1,500,000 or both. With respect to Porter, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, 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 offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendants.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 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.