Tarentum Dealer Veasley Gets 12+ Years in Federal Prison

PITTSBURGH, PA – Curtis Veasley, 35, of Tarentum, Pennsylvania, is headed to federal prison for over twelve and a half years after being sentenced for running a drug and gun operation out of his home. The sentence, handed down by United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry, reflects the seriousness of Veasley’s crimes and the danger he posed to the community.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Veasley used his Tarentum residence – shared with his girlfriend, Kayshala Lincoln, and two young children, ages 9 and 3 – as a base for distributing crack cocaine and heroin. The operation wasn’t subtle. When authorities executed a search warrant, they didn’t just find narcotics. They discovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, a bullet-proof vest, and a staggering $7,540 in cash.

The discovery of firearms is particularly damning. As a convicted felon, Veasley was legally prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. This wasn’t a case of a first-time offender making a mistake; it was a deliberate and brazen disregard for the law, and a clear indication of his willingness to escalate to violence to protect his illegal business.

Judge McVerry didn’t mince words during the sentencing hearing. He condemned the drug trade as the “root of evil” and directly addressed the devastating impact Veasley’s actions had on his children. Involving youngsters in a world of drugs and danger is a particularly callous act, and the judge clearly factored that into his decision.

This isn’t Veasley’s only legal trouble. He’s also facing charges in Westmoreland County, stemming from an alleged armed home invasion that occurred back in 2008. Those charges are currently pending before Judge Alfred Bell, meaning Veasley could face even more time behind bars once this federal sentence is served.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt successfully prosecuted the case. U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton praised the collaborative effort of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Tarentum Police Department, highlighting their crucial role in dismantling Veasley’s operation and bringing him to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder that those who profit from the misery of others will be held accountable.