Joseph Borrelli, Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy, Pennsylvania 2024

PITTSBURGH – In a stunning turn of events, Joseph Borrelli, the former U.S. Postmaster from Glassport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment followed by five years supervised release for his involvement in a major cocaine distribution conspiracy.

According to court documents, Borrelli, aged 49, exploited his position as postmaster in West Newton to assist in the shipment of approximately eight kilograms of cocaine from Brownsville, Texas to Pennsylvania between 2011 and 2015.

The DEA uncovered that Dante Lozano shipped dozens of drug packages through the U.S. Postal Service to Jeffrey Turner and April Racan, both residents of the Elizabeth/McKeesport area. Borrelli facilitated the conspiracy by providing vacant home addresses to Turner, who in turn relayed them to Lozano for delivery to valid addresses.

Furthermore, Borrelli opened an untraceable post office box for Turner and intercepted drug packages at the post office, ensuring they were delivered to Turner before reaching mail carriers. His actions allowed the conspiracy to operate with relative impunity, exploiting the trust placed in postal workers.

Judge Arthur Schwab of the United States District Court imposed the sentence, emphasizing Borrelli’s betrayal of his position of trust. Eight individuals were indicted in this case; three have already been sentenced, with four others awaiting sentencing later this year.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott led the prosecution against Borrelli on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song commended the U.S. Postal Service in Pittsburgh, DEA in Brownsville, and Pennsylvania State Police for their roles in the successful investigation and prosecution.