James Folks, Fentanyl Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2017

PITTSBURGH, PA - In a major blow to the opioid epidemic, James Folks, a 44-year-old East Pittsburgh resident, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly attempting to possess with intent to distribute over two pounds of methoxyacetyl fentanyl and possessing a firearm after seven prior felony convictions.

According to the indictment, Folks committed the crimes on December 7, 2017. The indictment charges him with attempt to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of methoxyacetyl fentanyl and possession of a firearm after seven prior felony convictions.

As a seven-times convicted felon, Folks faces severe penalties. Under federal law, he could be sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison as an Armed Career Criminal and up to life, along with a fine of up to $20,250,000.

The indictment is the result of a multi-agency investigation led by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Folks was arrested on December 7, 2017, after he retrieved the parcel containing the fentanyl analogue from the Post Office. A search of his home uncovered a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia, including an electronic money counter.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

As President Trump has identified, the fight against the opioid and fentanyl epidemic is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Thanks to the hard work of law enforcement agencies, fentanyl that could have devastated this community has been seized, and the drug dealer responsible will face justice.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/felon-charged-illegally-possessing-fentanyl-analogue-and-40-caliber-pistol