Pennsylvania Man’s Troubled Past Catches Up: Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Charges
PITTSBURGH – In a shocking turn of events, Traevon Rasha Nicholson, a 24-year-old man from Penn Hills, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal narcotic and firearms laws.
Nicholson’s troubles began in 2015, when he was convicted of Murder in the Three Degree on July 21, 2015. That conviction has now come back to haunt him in a big way.
According to the indictment, on January 26, 2020, Nicholson possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture containing fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that on the same date, Nicholson possessed a firearm, an IMEZ/Baikal pistol, in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Nicholson possessed that firearm, the IMEZ/Baikal pistol, knowing that he had previously been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony from owning firearms.
Nicholson’s indictment comes with serious consequences. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of $1,500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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