Verona Man Charged with Violating Federal Drug and Gun Laws

PITTSBURGH – One former resident of Verona, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The two-count indictment named Richard Anthony Burke, age 29, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, on November 12, 2016 Richard 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 sentences of not more than 20 years and a fine of $1,000,000, 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 Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pittsburgh Office of the Drug Enforcement Agency and Wilkinsburg 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.