PITTSBURGH – A chilling case has unfolded in Allegheny County as Mackenzie Cole Roberts, 24, of McDonald, PA, stands accused by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws.
Roberts is charged with illegally possessing a loaded derringer firearm and heroin on March 13, 2016. The indictment also reveals that he had been wanted by Tennessee and North Carolina for his unlawful use of a controlled substance – heroin. The gravity of the charges does not end there; Roberts potentially faces additional drug charges stemming from an alleged sale of heroin that led to a tragic death.
According to federal law, it is illegal for individuals who are fugitives or unlawful users of a controlled substance to possess firearms or ammunition. If convicted, Roberts could face up to 21 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, and the forfeiture of his firearm and ammunition. The severity of the sentence would depend on the specifics of his offenses and any prior criminal history.
During a detention hearing, disturbing evidence was presented that revealed Roberts had his child in the car along with heroin and weapons at the time of the offense. A DEA Task Force Officer cited potential drug-related charges for selling the fateful dose of heroin. Roberts is currently being held in federal custody pending trial.
The case against Roberts has been prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt, who represents the government. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Canonsburg Police Department, the McDonald Police Department, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods – a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat gun crime. As an Indictment is merely an accusation, Roberts is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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