Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Distribution Scheme

Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, June 10, 2010, that Daniel Carter, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to a violation of the federal drug laws.

Carter, age 50, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti advised the court that from in or around October 2007, and continuing until in or around September 2008, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, Carter conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for  October 15, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Daniel Carter. Other agencies participating in the investigation include the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office - Violent Crimes/Firearms Task Force, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the Allegheny County Police Department, the Allegheny County Adult Probation, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the West Mifflin Police Department, the Coraopolis Police Department, the Jefferson Hills Police Department, the Mount Lebanon Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Parole.