Penn Hills Man Guilty in Cocaine Conspiracy

A 34-year-old Penn Hills resident has pleaded guilty to his role in a massive cocaine conspiracy that shipped hundreds of grams of the drug from California to Western Pennsylvania.

Aaron Atkins, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

Atkins 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, as part of a multi-agency wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh.

The investigation, which began in December 2013 and continued through August 2014, involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, and several local police departments.

According to the charges, Atkins was involved in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, a charge that carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of not more than $5,000,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for May 16, 2016, and Atkins is currently being held pending sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by 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.

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