PITTSBURGH, Pa. – In a stunning crackdown on the streets of Duquesne, Courtney Washington Jr., 31, has been locked away for over two decades in federal prison. Sentenced to 248 months behind bars and six months under supervised release, Washington was found guilty by a federal jury of two counts of violating firearms laws.
The court heard from U.S. District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand as she imposed the sentence on Washington, who had previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute the deadly substance. The courtroom was filled with evidence that painted a grim picture of Washington’s involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Washington’s downfall began when law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on April 17, 2023. As officers demanded an exit from the home, Washington tried to destroy drugs by stuffing them into a washing machine. They later discovered around $45,000 worth of fentanyl in the machine. The trail didn’t end there; officers also found a loaded and stolen .45 Glock handgun concealed in the rafters above the washing machine.
Washington’s previous conviction for a federal drug trafficking felony meant he was already prohibited by federal law from owning or handling firearms, but his actions proved him to be a brazen threat. Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and V. Joseph Sonson led the prosecution, ensuring justice was served on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Police Department, and Duquesne Police Department for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. The successful prosecution of Washington sends a clear message that the federal government will not tolerate those who trade in lives for profit through illegal drugs and firearms.
This sentence is a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to rid the streets of Duquesne and beyond of dangerous drug traffickers like Courtney Washington Jr. The community can breathe a little easier, knowing that justice has been served for those affected by Washington’s criminal activities.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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