Wheeler Indicted in Decade-Long Cocaine & Money Laundering Scheme

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A California man is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury in Pittsburgh, accused of participating in a decade-long drug trafficking and money laundering operation. The indictment, announced today by United States Attorney David J. Hickton, adds another layer to an already sprawling case that has ensnared over 20 other individuals.

Marlowe Dewayne Wheeler, 40, also known as Marzuq Mohammed and Marquz Muhamed, is the sole defendant named in the two-count superseding indictment. The charges leveled against Wheeler directly mirror those already filed in United States v. Ruben Mitchell, et al. (Criminal No. 09-105), suggesting a significant connection to the existing criminal network.

Prosecutors allege that between 2000 and 2010, Wheeler conspired with others within the Western District of Pennsylvania and beyond to distribute and possess at least five kilograms of cocaine. The indictment further accuses him of laundering the substantial profits generated from the illegal drug trade – a classic tactic to conceal the source of illicit funds. This isn’t a nickel-and-dime operation; this is a systematic attempt to profit from poisoning communities.

If convicted on both counts, Wheeler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the potential for a life sentence. He could also be slapped with a staggering $4,000,000 fine. However, the ultimate sentence will be determined by Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the crimes and Wheeler’s prior criminal record – if any.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), has clearly been a long and complex undertaking. Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is leading the prosecution, tasked with building a case strong enough to secure a conviction. The feds have been digging into this for years, and now Wheeler is in their crosshairs.

It’s crucial to remember that this superseding indictment is merely an accusation. Wheeler is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the weight of these charges, and the connection to a larger criminal enterprise, paints a grim picture. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the streets to the courtroom.