Aliquippa Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – In a brazen display of narcotics trafficking, James Louis Peronis, 61, was sentenced in federal court to five years of imprisonment on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
A senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on Peronis on April 15, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, beginning in May 2021, Peronis was the subject of a joint investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement related to cocaine trafficking.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Peronis would obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine in Ohio and then distribute the cocaine in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Peronis as he entered the Western District of Pennsylvania from Ohio. During the traffic stop, law enforcement conducted a consensual search of the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of nearly two kilograms of cocaine.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program of Beaver County for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peronis.
The charges against Peronis are possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The sentence imposed on Peronis reflects a serious commitment to fighting the scourge of narcotics trafficking in our community. Peronis' actions put the lives and well-being of countless individuals at risk, and we will continue to pursue justice for those affected by his crimes.
The defendant, James Louis Peronis, is currently serving a five-year prison sentence. His conviction serves as a reminder that those who engage in narcotics trafficking will face the full force of the law.
Related Federal Cases
- Ancelmo Ayala, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2017 · Texas
- Raymond Briskey, Cocaine Trafficking and Firearms Violations, Pennsylvania 2020 · Pennsylvania
- Mesawn Smith, Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Kent OH, 2023 · Texas
- Jack Reid III, Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy, New York 2024 · Georgia
- James Nelson, Heroin Trafficking and Money Laundering, Ohio 2023 · Pennsylvania
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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