Dvonte Amos, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2021

Fentanyl Trafficking Ring Busted in Pittsburgh: Three Michigan Men and One Pennsylvania Resident Indicted on Federal Charges

The streets of Pittsburgh have seen their fair share of crime, but the latest indictment brings a chilling reality to light. Three Detroit residents, Dvonte Amos, Darryl Junior Ballard, and Andrew Brent Steel, along with Ambridge’s own Wilson, have been accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine base. This brazen operation, which allegedly operated from May 2020 to April 2021, has left authorities scrambling to keep the deadly substances off the streets.

The Superseding Indictment, returned on October 5, 2021, outlines the shocking extent of the defendants’ crimes. According to the indictment, the group conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of acetyl fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, and 28 grams of cocaine base. These quantities are staggering, and the consequences of their actions are dire.

The indictment also alleges that Ballard, Steel, and Wilson distributed controlled substances, while Amos and Wilson possessed with intent to distribute at various times during the conspiracy. This is not a case of small-time dealers; these individuals are accused of playing a significant role in the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our nation.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years. The fine for this heinous crime? A staggering $20 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based on the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is leading the prosecution in this case. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Beaver County Drug Task Force, and the Ambridge Police Department.

A superseding indictment is an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, the evidence presented in this case is damning, and it will be up to the court to determine the fate of these individuals.

The people of Pittsburgh and the nation as a whole demand justice for the victims of fentanyl trafficking. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of these crimes and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

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