A federal jury in Pittsburgh has found Harry E. Duncan, 36, of Penn Hills, guilty of three counts of violating federal drug and firearms laws.
The verdict of guilt included one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and aiding and abetting the straw purchase of three firearms.
The evidence presented at trial established that, in the fall of 2022, Duncan was the subject of an investigation by Allegheny County Police narcotics detectives for suspected involvement in drug trafficking.
On November 18, 2022, the detectives served a search warrant on Duncan’s residence, finding in the basement over 1,000 stamp bags of fentanyl, significant amounts of unpackaged fentanyl powder, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine hidden in the ceiling.
The detectives also discovered a large quantity of drug packaging materials, scales, cash, and 11 different cell phones.
Additionally, they found a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and several pistol cases.
Further investigation revealed that Duncan, who previously had been convicted of a felony, had engaged a former drug customer to unlawfully straw purchase the rifle and two of the pistols.
Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2024. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2.5 million, or both.
The Allegheny County Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to Duncan’s prosecution.
Related Federal Cases
- Edwin Williams, Fentanyl and Cocaine Possession, Pennsylvania 2021 · Puerto Rico
- Five Essex County Men Charged In Heroin Distribution Ring, New Jersey 2015 · New York
- Ramon Otero Jr., Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime, Arizona 2021 · Washington
- Pablo Colon-Rolon, Puerto Rico Drug Trafficking, San Juan PR, 2023 · Puerto Rico
- James King, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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