James Patrick Lewis, Jr., et al, Federal Narcotics and Firearms Charges, Pennsylvania 2021
Pittsburgh, PA - March 2021
Three residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been accused of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, according to a federal indictment announced by United States Attorney Scott W. Brady. The indictment charges James Patrick Lewis, Jr., Antoine Key, and Lance Rucker with crimes related to the distribution and possession of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, as well as the possession of firearms while being convicted felons.
The indictment alleges that from September 21, 2020, to February 4, 2021, Lewis, Key, and Rucker conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Additionally, on February 4, 2021, the three men were in possession of firearms, and Rucker possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm.
The indictment also alleges that Lewis, on March 10, June 10, and September 17, 2020, possessed with intent to distribute and distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Furthermore, on September 3, 2020, Lewis possessed with intent to distribute and distributed 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than life in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States.
The indictment serves as an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
According to the indictment, the following charges were brought against the defendants:
- James Patrick Lewis, Jr., age 29
- Antoine Key, age 29
- Lance Rucker, age 24
The charges against the defendants include:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
- Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl
- Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan on behalf of the government.
Defendant Information:
- James Patrick Lewis, Jr., age 29
- Antoine Key, age 29
- Lance Rucker, age 24
City and State: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Crime Date: September 21, 2020 - February 4, 2021
Sentence or Outcome: The defendants are facing a maximum total sentence of not more than life in prison and a fine of $5,000,000
Dollar Amounts: $5,000,000
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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