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Penn Hills Man Jailed for 1K Fentanyl Stamps, Guns
A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict to Harry E. Duncan, a 36-year-old Penn Hills man, for multiple charges of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
In a swift deliberation of less than two hours, the jury on April 18, 2024, found Duncan guilty of one count each of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and aiding and abetting the straw purchase of three firearms.
The evidence presented at trial revealed that Duncan, a convicted felon, was the subject of an investigation by Allegheny County Police narcotics detectives for suspected involvement in drug trafficking. On November 18, 2022, detectives served a search warrant on Duncan’s residence, where they found over 1,000 stamp bags of fentanyl, significant amounts of unpackaged fentanyl powder, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine hidden in the ceiling.
The detectives also discovered a large quantity of drug packaging materials, scales, cash, and 11 different cell phones throughout the basement. In addition to the drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia, detectives found a Ruger AR-556 semi-automatic rifle, a Winchester 12 gauge shotgun, several hundred rounds of ammunition, and several pistol cases.
Further investigation revealed that Duncan had engaged a former drug customer to straw purchase the rifle and two of the pistols, with Duncan directing the person to lie on background investigation paperwork. This act violated federal law, which prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the verdict, which carries a maximum total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2.5 million, or both. The law also states that the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2024, and remanded Duncan into the custody of the United States Marshals pending sentencing.
The Allegheny County Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to Duncan’s prosecution.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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