Two Pittsburgh Men Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Heroin

PITTSBURGH - Two Pittsburgh residents have 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 three-count indictment, returned on May 23, named the defendants as:

• Leonard Rushin-Felder, age 21; and
• Mark Ridley, age 25.

According to the indictment, on April 25, 2017, Rushin-Felder and Ridley conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin. Both defendants are also charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin. Additionally, Rushin-Felder is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on April 25, 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentences ranging from up to 20 years in prison to up to life in prison, and fines ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police 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.