August 11, 2015

Wilkinsburg Man Pleads Guilty in Safe Streets Task Force Investigation into Drug Trafficking

PITTSBURGH—An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of crack cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Larry Washington, 64, of 523 Hill St., Wilkinsburg, 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, co-conspirators were intercepted over the wire brokering crack cocaine deals on behalf of Washington. Also during that timeframe, agents were able to establish surveillance of Washington conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute crack cocaine, which was shipped, in powder form, from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2015. The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, 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 Washington’s bond and conditions of release.

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 Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Larry Washington.