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Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to 10 Years for DS44 Gang-Related Charges
A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking investigation targeting the DS44 gang. Martel Yates, 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and other Schedule I and II controlled substances.
According to prosecutors, the investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, uncovered a significant amount of fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs seized from members of the organization. Agents also intercepted wire communications between Yates and his coconspirators, revealing a network of drug trafficking activity in and around the South Side area of Pittsburgh.
Yates had at least one prior serious drug felony conviction, which contributed to the severity of his sentence. Judge William S. Stickman, IV, stated that Yates was responsible for the distribution of significant quantities of opiates and the harm to the community that stems from such distribution.
The multi-agency investigation, which included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Allegheny County Adult Probation, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, among others, was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn J. Bloch and Brendan J. McKenna. Yates will serve eight years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
The investigation and prosecution of Yates and his coconspirators demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combating the DS44 gang and its involvement in large-scale drug trafficking in the Pittsburgh area.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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