Pittsburgh Heroin Dealer Thompson Gets 80 Months

PITTSBURGH, PA – Clarence Thompson, 56, of Pittsburgh, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced for his role in a large-scale heroin distribution network. Thompson received an 80-month sentence from United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, followed by four years of supervised release, after being convicted of conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 400 grams of heroin.

The investigation, spanning from January 2010 to March 3, 2011, revealed Thompson’s central role in flooding Pittsburgh streets with the deadly opioid. Federal prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating Thompson’s active participation in the heroin trade, proving a clear intent to profit from the misery of others. The 400-gram threshold triggers a significant mandatory minimum sentence under federal narcotics laws.

What makes this case particularly damning is the timing. Thompson’s federal sentence is to be served consecutively to any penalties he receives for separate, pending state drug charges. This means Thompson will face additional time behind bars for offenses committed while already out on bond in the federal case – a blatant disregard for the legal system, according to sources close to the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller led the prosecution, building a solid case against Thompson with evidence gathered from a multi-agency task force. The successful prosecution underscores the commitment of federal authorities to dismantling drug networks operating within the city and holding those responsible accountable.

United States Attorney David J. Hickton praised the collaborative efforts of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the Ross Township Police Department, the Canonsburg Police Department, and the Allegheny County Police Department. This wasn’t a solo operation; it was a coordinated takedown.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Thompson’s conviction serves as a stark reminder that drug trafficking carries severe consequences, and those involved will face the full force of the law. The streets of Pittsburgh are a little safer tonight, but the fight against the opioid crisis is far from over.

RELATED: Homestead Heroin Network Hit With New Charges