Jason Evans, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2021

Pagan’s Associate Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Trafficking

A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty to charges of violating federal narcotics trafficking and firearms laws. Jason Evans, 44, formerly of Earl Street, Pittsburgh, PA, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2021, to two counts before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville.

Evans, a close associate of Pagan’s Motorcycle Club (PMC) member Bill Rana, accepted responsibility for distributing 309 grams of cocaine. The investigation revealed that Evans was capable of making deals for Rana. Investigators also seized approximately 10 ounces of cocaine, two firearms, ammunition, magazines, and over $10,000 during the search of Evans’ residence.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, began in January 2020. The investigation resulted in the interception of thousands of wire and electronic communications over a total of ten telephones, including co-defendants Bill Rana and Eric Armes, who were PMC members.

Evans, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He also pleaded guilty to another charge related to the firearms. Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 30 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, or both for the drug charge, and not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $25,000, or both for the gun charge.

The multi-agency investigation of this case included the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The investigation was the result of the efforts of the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to identify the criminal activity, including drug and firearms trafficking, of individuals who are members and/or associates of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club.

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