A McKees Rocks man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling heroin on multiple occasions, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Saul Lopes-Viera, 25, was sentenced to 144 months in prison on January 3, 2013, for his conviction of various violations of federal narcotics offenses, including possession with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
According to information presented to the court, Lopes-Viera sold heroin in a sticky, highly potent form known as ‘black tar,’ packaged in small colored balloons, on multiple occasions. On May 21, 2010, May 27, 2010, and March 8, 2011, Lopes-Viera possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 grams of heroin.
On both dates in May of 2010, Lopes-Viera was in the Canonsburg area when he sold heroin in the ‘black tar’ form. On March 8, 2011, Lopes-Viera was arrested with just over two grams of the same substance, packaged in the same way.
At the time he entered his plea of guilty, Lopes-Viera additionally admitted to selling balloons of ‘black tar’ heroin on February 11, 2011, to a certain female customer. That customer shared the heroin with a friend later in the evening. The friend, James O’Donnell, died of an overdose as a result of his use of the ‘black tar’ heroin that same night.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Swartz prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Lopes-Viera.
Lopes-Viera’s sentence is the result of a thorough investigation and prosecution by the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s office. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of heroin and the importance of holding those who sell it accountable.
Related Federal Cases
- Saul Lopes-Viera, Heroin Sales and Overdose, Pennsylvania 2013 · Arkansas
- Carlos Alberto Prieto, Possession of Heroin, Pennsylvania 2013 · Pennsylvania
- Jimmie McLaughlin, Heroin Possession with Intent to Distribute, Pennsylvania 2011 · Pennsylvania
- Clarence Thompson, Conspiring to Distribute Heroin, Pennsylvania 2011 · Arkansas
- Gregory Washington, Heroin Distribution, Pennsylvania 2011 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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