A Pittsburgh man has been accused of violating federal drug and firearms laws, federal authorities announced today. Eugene Key, 26, of the Elliot neighborhood, is facing charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The indictment was handed down by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on July 2, 2021, when Key was arrested in possession of 100 grams or more of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. Additionally, two handguns were seized, one of which had an obliterated serial number. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
According to the indictment, the maximum total sentence Key could face is not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both. The actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted a joint investigation leading to the indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eugene Key, charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, faces a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, or both.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of law enforcement working together to combat this issue.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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