A Pittsburgh man has been sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for his role in a heroin distribution scheme, announced United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung.
Donald Lyles, Jr., 28, was sentenced by United States District Judge William S. Stickman, IV for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
The investigation began in 2018 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation started looking into a heroin trafficking organization that Lyles was a part of. In 2019, the FBI received authorization to conduct a Title III wiretap investigation into the organization, which led to Lyles being intercepted directing the movement of heroin from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh for distribution.
Agents also seized heroin, firearms, and bulk United States Currency from members of the organization, including Lyles. Judge Stickman referenced the seriousness of the offense as well as Lyles’ criminal history when handing down the sentence.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Chung commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and other law enforcement agencies for their work in leading to Lyles’ successful prosecution.
The prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States.
The following agencies contributed to the investigation: Allegheny County Police Department, Stowe Township Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Office of the Attorney General, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, North Versailles Police Department, Allegheny County Port Authority Police Department, Munhall Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police.
Lyles’ 70-month sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release.
Related Federal Cases
- Luis Cepeda-Capellan, Heroin Distribution, New Jersey 2021 · Texas
- Erick A. Martinez, Heroin and Fentanyl Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2020 · Pennsylvania
- John Duchi, Jr., Crack Cocaine Distribution, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Seth Lindsey, Fentanyl and K2 Distribution, Pennsylvania 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Gimy Rodriguez, Drug Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2020 · Maryland
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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