Pagans Motorcycle Club Member Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today.

Zachary Miller, 28, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and four years of supervised release by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

In conjunction with the sentencing hearing, the Court was informed that The Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted a long-term investigation into drug-trafficking activity occurring in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Law enforcement identified several individuals, suspected at the time, of illegally distributing controlled substances, including methamphetamine in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette, and Washington Counties.

During the investigation, investigators learned of individuals involved/associated with the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC) responsible for distributing methamphetamine, including defendant Zachary Miller, who was a member of the Jeannette Chapter of the PMC, in Westmoreland County.

Miller used Facebook Messenger, primarily, to communicate with his drug customers/associates to further their illegal drug-trafficking activity. In addition to the evidence obtained via Facebook Messenger – revealing large-scale transactions – investigators conducted controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Miller, and conducted physical and electronic surveillance of members of the conspiracy, including Miller.

On February 15, 2020, Miller and co-defendant Jessica Palmer, who has already been sentenced, were pulled over by Pennsylvania State Troopers in a vehicle with a suspended registration. Troopers obtained consent to search the vehicle and located six ounces of methamphetamine in the trunk of the vehicle. Both Miller and Palmer were arrested. A search incident to arrest revealed that Miller, who had a valid concealed carry permit, had a Ruger LC9S handgun on his person. Investigators determined that Miller and Palmer had been at a co-defendant’s house where Miller was resupplied with methamphetamine.

In all, Miller conspired to and did possess with intent to distribute and distributed at least 500 grams but less than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, including the approximately six ounces of methamphetamine seized on February 15, 2020.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s
Office, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Miller.

This sentencing was the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers,
money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.