Verona Man Charged with Federal Drug and Gun Law Violations

PITTSBURGH, PA – One former resident of Verona, PA, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count superseding indictment, returned on June 25, named Richard Anthony Burke, 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, on November 12, 2016, Burke possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. On February 3, 2017, Burke, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Burke is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $2,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Wilkinsburg Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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