October 15, 2015

Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Transporting Proceeds of Cocaine Trafficking

PITTSBURGH—A California woman has been sentenced in federal court to five years in prison on her conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Misha Cannon, 49, of San Bernardino, Calif.

According to information presented to the court, 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, Misha Cannon was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others, including her brother, Lionel Cannon, 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. During the conspiracy, Misha Cannon was responsible for transporting proceeds of the cocaine trafficking from the Western District of Pennsylvania to California. In August 2014, Misha Cannon also helped Lionel Cannon obtain a new supply of cocaine and conducted a deal for the purchase of one kilogram of cocaine, which was later seized by law enforcement.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to achieve the goals of sentencing.

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

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets 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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Cannon.