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McKees Rocks Man Pleads Guilty in Cocaine Trafficking Ring
McKees Rocks resident Ellis Harris, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in a federal court.
According to the investigation, the cocaine was shipped from California through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier, while the heroin was obtained in Cleveland, Ohio, and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies conducted a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh from December 2013 to August 2014. Ellis Harris was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others during this timeframe.
Ellis Harris faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Judge Mark R. Hornak scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2016.
The law provides for the actual sentence to be determined based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. The court continued Ellis Harris’s detention pending sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
This case is a reminder of the ongoing fight against cocaine trafficking in our region. The community must remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
RELATED: Pittsburgh Man Admits Role in Cocaine Ring
RELATED: Joelle Hollis Pleads Guilty in GBK Cocaine Ring
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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