PITTSBURGH, PA – A shocking 160 pounds of methamphetamine has been linked to a notorious drug ring in Western Pennsylvania, with a former California resident taking the fall for the crime. Marco Armenta, age 36, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, United States Attorney Cindy Chung announced today.
Armenta, a former resident of Stockton, California, was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Armenta supplied at least 160 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County.
According to the investigation, Armenta’s actions were part of a larger drug trafficking operation that spanned multiple states. The multi-agency investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, also included the Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
Marco Armenta faces a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. The court ordered that the defendant remain detained pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, which uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to dismantle high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
In a related development, the court scheduled sentencing for Armenta on January 24, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. This case highlights the need for continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat the growing threat of drug trafficking in the region. The public is urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The case is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of drug trafficking and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. As the investigation continues, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may aid in the prosecution of those involved.
Defendant: Marco Armenta
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
City and State: Pittsburgh, PA
Exact Date: Sentencing scheduled for January 24, 2023
Sentence: Not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both
Dollar Amount: $10,000,000
Outcome: Remains detained pending sentencing
Related Federal Cases
- Richard Clifton Turner, Methamphetamine Trafficking, California 2024 · California
- Autumn Lynn Vanosdol, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Nebraska 2020 · California
- James Tyrell Daniels, Marijuana Trafficking, New York 2024 · New York
- Michael Hoffner, Wire Fraud, Pennsylvania 2017 · Maryland
- Jeisy Camejo-Escandell, Credit Card Fraud, Pennsylvania 2015 · California
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News