PITTSBURGH – In a shocking turn of events, Tracey Yancey, a 53-year-old resident of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Yancey was intercepted by law enforcement in 2013 as part of a multi-agency wiretap investigation into drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh. The investigation, which began in December 2013 and continued through August 2014, revealed that Yancey was conspiring with others to possess and distribute cocaine, which was being shipped from California to the Western District of Pennsylvania via the United States Postal Service or commercial carrier.
During the investigation, Yancey was also found to be in possession of a firearm, despite being a convicted felon. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, or both.
Yancey’s guilty plea was accepted by United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak, who scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2016. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based on the seriousness of the offense and Yancey’s prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, and numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, and others.
As a convicted felon, Yancey is prohibited from possessing firearms. The charges against him carry significant penalties, including up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,250,000.
Pending sentencing, Yancey’s bond has been continued. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and violence in our communities.
Tracey Yancey, 53, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The law provides for a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,250,000, or both.
During the investigation, Yancey also obtained a firearm, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon.
Related Federal Cases
- Salvador Alvin, Cocaine Trafficking and Gun Crime, Indiana 2019 · Washington
- James Perrin, Heroin Trafficking & Gun Crimes, Pennsylvania 2018 · Florida
- Joshua Peters, Gun and Drug Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2022 · California
- James Dotson, Narcotics Trafficking and Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Pennsylvania 2025 · Indiana
- Jennifer Glasscock, Drug Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2020 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →

