Abraham Martinez, Conspiring to Distribute 10 Kilos of Cocaine, Pennsylvania 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - Two former residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been accused of violating federal narcotics laws, according to a recent indictment. Abraham Martinez, 50, and Donell Higginbotham, 40, are facing charges of conspiring to distribute and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 10 kilograms of cocaine.

The indictment, which was returned on August 13, charges Martinez and Higginbotham with two counts of violating federal narcotics laws. According to the Affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, investigators with the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a controlled purchase and delivery operation on July 16, 2019, and apprehended Martinez and Higginbotham with approximately 10 kilograms of suspected cocaine and $310,000 in U.S. Currency.

Law enforcement officials seized a large quantity of cocaine and a substantial amount of cash in U.S. Currency during the operation. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force.

The two-count Indictment charges Martinez and Higginbotham with conspiring to distribute and attempting to possess with intent to distribute 10 kilograms of cocaine. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Both defendants remain detained in prison until the resolution of the case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation leading to the Indictment in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/two-pittsburgh-men-charged-conspiring-distribute-10-kilos-cocaine