PITTSBURGH, PA – Dwight D. Henley, 38, formerly of Clairton, Pennsylvania, is facing a long stretch behind bars after receiving a 199-month federal prison sentence today for violating federal firearm and drug laws. U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced the sentence, a harsh blow to a repeat offender with deep ties to local criminal activity.
Henley pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Judge Mark Hornak handed down the sentence, acknowledging Henley’s extensive criminal history – a record boasting a staggering 16 convictions across six separate cases in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. These included a dozen drug offenses, a charge of Terroristic Threats, two DUIs, and misuse of a communication device – all offenses that legally barred him from owning a firearm.
The bust originated on February 23, 2015, when state parole officers discovered marijuana during a routine check of Henley’s residence. That initial discovery quickly escalated. A subsequent search warrant revealed not only approximately 1.5 pounds of marijuana and over $2,100 in cash, but also a loaded semi-automatic pistol, ammunition for multiple firearms, three cellphones, two iPads, and a laptop. Henley readily admitted to possessing both the drugs and the weapon, claiming the gun was for “protection.”
Evidence presented to the court revealed a concerning pattern of behavior and association. Testimony from a prior hearing linked Henley to the Ruff Ryders and Maxx’d Out motorcycle groups, raising questions about potential gang affiliations and organized criminal activity. The United States Probation Office compiled a detailed Pre-Sentence Report outlining Henley’s background, further solidifying the case for a substantial penalty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt successfully prosecuted the case, arguing that Henley qualified as an Armed Career Criminal due to his lengthy and serious criminal record. This designation carried a minimum sentence of 15 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment. Judge Hornak, after careful consideration of the Pre-Sentence Report, determined that 199 months was sufficient but not excessive, given the totality of the circumstances.
Henley has been held by the U.S. Marshal Service since his federal arrest. The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with crucial support from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, and police departments in Clairton and Elizabeth. U.S. Attorney Brady praised the cooperative spirit of all involved agencies, sending a clear message that federal law enforcement will relentlessly pursue those who endanger the community with drugs and firearms.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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