Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years

PITTSBURGH – In a hard-hitting blow against drug trafficking, Richard Hayes, 33, of Pittsburgh, has been sentenced to serve 14 years in federal prison, with an additional five years of supervised release. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry following Hayes’ conviction for violating the federal narcotic laws.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced the sentence today, noting that on February 23, 2011, U.S. postal inspectors in Pittsburgh uncovered a significant drug shipment. During an execution of a search warrant for a suspicious package mailed from Rialto, Calif., to Pittsburgh, agents apprehended Hayes as he attempted to pick up the package. Inside his wallet, they discovered two receipts for other packages sent from Rialto to Pittsburgh just one day prior.

Further investigation led inspectors to locate and secure a search warrant for another of the packages on February 24, 2011. The discovery yielded nearly nine pounds of cocaine with an estimated wholesale value in Pittsburgh ranging from $160,000 to $180,000. This street value exceeded half a million dollars.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, ensuring justice was served for the drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute charges against Hayes. U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Postal Inspection Service for their diligent work in the investigation that led to the successful prosecution.

This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by those who engage in drug trafficking. The Pittsburgh community can take solace in the justice served and the efforts of law enforcement to keep drugs off our streets.

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