Fentanyl Trafficking Plague Continues to Spread in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PA – A 19-year-old from the Swissvale area has been sentenced to eight months in prison for his role in a fentanyl trafficking ring, the Grimy Times has learned.
Damon Tamar Wheat-Avery, formerly of the Swissvale area, was sentenced by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on his conviction of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced.
According to information presented to the court, on May 27, 2021, the Allegheny County Police were conducting a violent suppression detail in the Rankin area when they pulled over a vehicle occupied by Wheat-Avery and others. Detectives noticed a firearm that had been sitting at Wheat-Avery’s feet, and a later search of the vehicle led to the seizure of another firearm and a substantial quantity of fentanyl.
During his guilty plea hearing, Wheat-Avery admitted that the fentanyl was his and that he intended to distribute it, and he further admitted that he possessed the firearm for his protection.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Chung commended the Allegheny County Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Wheat-Avery.
Wheat-Avery’s sentence includes eight months in prison followed by a term of three years of supervised release. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of fentanyl trafficking and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat it.
As the Grimy Times continues to investigate the scope of fentanyl trafficking in Pittsburgh, we urge our readers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Mandatory Facts:
1. Defendant/Respondent REAL full name or legal entity name: Damon Tamar Wheat-Avery
2. Exact criminal charges: Violating federal narcotic laws
3. City and state: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
4. EXACT DATE with month/day/year: May 27, 2021
5. Sentence or outcome: Eight months in prison followed by three years of supervised release
6. Dollar amounts where applicable: None
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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