Davon Stevens, Fentanyl Trafficking, PA 2024

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two men from Pittsburgh’s North Side are facing serious federal charges after an indictment unsealed today revealed a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation. Davon Stevens, 24, and Demetrius Mitchell-Yarbrough, 24, are accused of flooding the streets with a deadly cocktail of synthetic opioids, and in Mitchell-Yarbrough’s case, illegally carrying a firearm while doing so. The case, spearheaded by the FBI’s Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force, highlights the ongoing battle against the fentanyl crisis gripping the nation.

According to the five-count indictment, returned on February 6, Stevens and Mitchell-Yarbrough allegedly conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute quantities of cyclopropyl fentanyl, acetyfentanyl, and fentanyl on or around July 28, 2017. Both men are also directly charged with possession with intent to distribute those same potent narcotics. The indictment details a calculated scheme to profit from the misery of addiction, pushing highly dangerous drugs into vulnerable communities.

But the charges don’t stop there. Demetrius Mitchell-Yarbrough is facing additional, and potentially more severe, penalties for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from owning or possessing firearms. Furthermore, he’s accused of possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime – a charge that carries a hefty mandatory minimum sentence.

If convicted on the drug charges, both Stevens and Mitchell-Yarbrough could face a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison and a staggering $1,000,000 fine. However, Mitchell-Yarbrough’s situation is far more dire. The firearms charges carry a potential sentence of not less than five years, and up to life in prison, along with a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the severity of the crimes and each defendant’s prior criminal history.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, bringing together FBI Special Agents and a network of state and local law enforcement officers. The task force included officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. This multi-agency approach demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are tackling the fentanyl epidemic.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy M. Lanni is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. Both Davon Stevens and Demetrius Mitchell-Yarbrough are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, exposing the dark underbelly of drug trafficking in Pittsburgh.