September 9, 2015

Delmont Man Admits Participating in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

PITTSBURGH—A Westmoreland County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tieriq Pinnix, 21, of Delmont, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, Tieriq Pinnix was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others, including his father, Cecil Pinnix, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 22, 2016. The law provides for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on home detention with electronic monitoring.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tieriq Pinnix.