A Washington County woman is facing federal time behind bars after being indicted on charges tied to the distribution of a deadly fentanyl analogue. Breanna M. Bane, 28, of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, was named in a one-count indictment unsealed in Pittsburgh, marking the latest strike in the federal crackdown on synthetic opioids ravaging communities across the region.
The indictment alleges that on July 3, 2020, Bane distributed and possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl analogue, a Schedule I controlled substance known for its extreme potency and high risk of overdose. These substances, often manufactured in clandestine labs, have fueled a surge in fatal poisonings across Pennsylvania and the broader Appalachian corridor.
Bane now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 if convicted. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the final penalty will hinge on the severity of the offense and any prior criminal history—though prosecutors are pushing for maximum accountability in a case tied to a substance more lethal than heroin.
The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, whose joint efforts have dismantled several drug networks operating in the state’s rural corridors. Authorities have not disclosed whether Bane was part of a larger distribution ring, but sources indicate electronic evidence and field testing played a critical role in building the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting the case, underscoring the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s aggressive stance on opioid-related crimes. “We’re not just chasing users—we’re targeting those who profit from poisoning communities,” said a DOJ spokesperson familiar with the case. “This indictment sends a clear message.”
An indictment is an accusation. Breanna M. Bane is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The case now moves toward arraignment, where she will enter a formal plea before a U.S. District Judge.
Related Federal Cases
- Fentanyl Dealer Dumped Gun, Drugs · Washington
- Ronald Douglas McMillian Jr. Sentenced in Fentanyl Overdose Case · Washington
- Jalen Cameron Madison Sentenced for Fentanyl and Heroin Death · Washington
- Pittsburgh Dealer Adams Gets 8 Years for Fatal Fentanyl Sale · Washington
- Carlito Rios, Jordan Jones Sentenced in Elmira Fentanyl Ring · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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