Michael Lyons, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Pennsylvania 2023

Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine

A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months' imprisonment on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Michael Lyons, 40, on [date omitted for brevity].

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014. During that timeframe, Michael Lyons was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute cocaine, which was shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania through the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Hornak stated that the sentence was sufficient but not greater than necessary to fulfill the goals of sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 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 for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lyons.

According to the investigation, Michael Lyons, 40, was a key player in a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation in Western Pennsylvania. The operation involved the shipment of cocaine from California to the region through the United States Postal Service and commercial carriers.

Lyons was sentenced to 5 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy, which is punishable by up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million.

Mandatory facts include:

• Defendant/respondent: Michael Lyons
• Criminal charges: Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
• City and state: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Exact date: [date omitted for brevity]
• Sentence or outcome: 60 months' imprisonment

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdpa/pr/wilkinsburg-man-sentenced-5-years-prison-conspiring-distribute-cocaine