Pittsburgh Coke Kingpin Harris Admits to Major Drug Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA – Edward Harris, 38, of Pittsburgh, has confessed to running a significant drug operation in Allegheny County. The bust, a joint effort between federal and local law enforcement, finally caught up with Harris, who admitted to possessing a substantial quantity of both powder and crack cocaine, clearly intending to peddle the poison for profit.

According to court documents, Harris pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. to possessing over 100 grams of powder cocaine on June 18, 2010, with the explicit intent to distribute. That’s a serious amount of blow – enough to fuel a network of addiction and misery. But he didn’t stop there. Harris also copped to possessing over five grams of crack cocaine on January 27, 2011, again with clear distribution plans.

This wasn’t a casual possession case. We’re talking about a calculated attempt to profit from the desperation of others. The sheer volume of drugs involved points to a well-established operation, one that likely brought significant damage to the streets of Pittsburgh. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police spent considerable time and resources building this case, and their efforts have finally paid off.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is leading the prosecution, and he’s building a case that will send a message: dealing death doesn’t pay. While Harris has pled guilty, the sentencing phase remains. Judge Cohill has scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 7, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., where Harris will finally face the consequences of his actions.

The Grimy Times will be in the courtroom for the sentencing. Expect a harsh penalty. Federal drug trafficking laws carry stiff sentences, and with the quantities involved, Harris is looking at a lengthy prison term. This case serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against narcotics in Pittsburgh and across the nation.

This conviction represents a win for the ATF, the Pittsburgh Police, and most importantly, the citizens of Allegheny County. While one dealer is off the streets, the fight continues. The Grimy Times will continue to report on the underbelly of federal crime, exposing the individuals who prey on our communities.