Robert Burkes-Kelley, Cocaine and Firearms Charges, Pennsylvania 2020

PITTSBURGH – A Pittsburgh man has been indicted on federal narcotics and firearms charges, announced United States Attorney Scott W. Brady today.

According to the indictment, Robert Burkes-Kelley, 23, of the Hazelwood neighborhood, possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and quantities of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine on December 18, 2020. Additionally, Burkes-Kelley possessed a Springfield Arms XD Elite 9mm semiautomatic handgun; a Walther, Model PPS, 9 mm semiautomatic handgun; and a Diamond Arms, Model DB 15, semiautomatic rifle, in furtherance of the aforementioned drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $4,000,000 or both for the drug trafficking charge, as well as another sentence of not less than 5 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000 or both for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Ira M. Karoll is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Allegheny County Police Department, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are working together to ensure that justice is served in this case.

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