Richard Speciale, Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2023

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - In a shocking turn of events, Richard Speciale, a 53-year-old man from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 144 months in prison for selling cocaine within the Northern District of West Virginia and the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to court documents, Speciale pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Over Five (5) Kilograms of Cocaine,” following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation, which was a joint effort between law enforcement agencies, led to the arrest and conviction of Speciale, who was accused of selling large quantities of cocaine in the region.

Speciale's sentencing is a significant blow to the cocaine trafficking ring, which had been operating in the area for some time. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the sale and distribution of illicit substances.

The case against Speciale is a prime example of the collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies to combat the sale and distribution of illicit substances.

In addition to Speciale, three other individuals from Michigan were also sentenced in connection with the case. Ryan Gardner, 28, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for selling oxycodone in November 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. Terrell Moore, 36, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 63 months in prison for selling oxycodone in January 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. Ronnie Days, 24, of Westland, Michigan, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for selling oxycodone in August 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia.

The cases against the four individuals were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Cogar, Shawn Morgan, and Zelda Wesley on behalf of the government. U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided over the cases.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, praised the efforts of law enforcement agencies in bringing the case to a successful conclusion. “The sentencing of these individuals is a significant victory for the people of West Virginia and Pennsylvania,” Ihlenfeld said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to combat the sale and distribution of illicit substances in our communities.”

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/pittsburgh-detroit-men-sentenced-drug-trafficking