Homestead Man Conspired to Distribute Heroin from Allegheny County Jail and SCI-Camp Hill

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to federal drug trafficking charges, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today. Jordan Murphy, 22, formerly of 237 East 17th Avenue in Homestead pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In total, Murphy agreed to accept responsibility for between 700 and 1,000 grams of heroin.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from May 2012 to February 2013, Murphy conspired together with his charged co-defendants Andre Corbett, Sterling Marshall, and others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute heroin. Those named co-defendants have previously pleaded guilty.

Specifically, the court learned that during the timeframe of the heroin trafficking conspiracy, Murphy was incarcerated on state charges at Allegheny County Jail and SCI-Camp Hill. However, Murphy still participated and coordinated heroin sales from those facilities. Specifically, Murphy, in recorded “jail calls,” had Corbett and Marshall sell heroin through uncharged co-conspirator Brady Hall, who used “runners” to deliver this heroin to heroin customers in Homestead. This conspiracy was primarily supplied heroin by uncharged co-conspirator Brandon Thompson, amongst others. Murphy set pricing and coordinated drug payments over the telephone. Both Hall and Thompson have pleaded not guilty in related indictments.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for April 24, 2014, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General; City of Pittsburgh Police Department; Pennsylvania State Police; Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office; McKeesport Police Department; Munhall Police Department; and the West Homestead Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jordan Murphy.