A Pittsburgh man has admitted to his role in a heroin trafficking conspiracy that spanned multiple years and involved the transport of the deadly drug from Cleveland, Ohio to the Western District of Pennsylvania.
William Blair, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both.
The conspiracy was uncovered through a multi-agency wiretap investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force. The investigation, which began in December 2013 and continued through August 2014, intercepted wire and electronic communications involving Blair and other co-conspirators.
According to court documents, Blair conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, which was obtained in Cleveland and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution. The investigation ultimately led to Blair’s arrest and the charges he faces today.
Blair’s sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2016, before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak. He is currently free on bond pending sentencing.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman on behalf of the government. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
The investigation and prosecution of Blair’s case highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in the region to combat heroin trafficking and other serious crimes. As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across the country, it is more important than ever that law enforcement agencies and prosecutors work together to identify and prosecute those responsible for bringing these deadly drugs into our neighborhoods.
The prosecution of Blair’s case also serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that individuals can face when they choose to engage in heroin trafficking and other serious crimes. As a result of his guilty plea, Blair faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000,000.
The case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who are committed to keeping our communities safe from the scourge of heroin and other serious crimes.
Related Federal Cases
- Warren Charles Green, IV, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2013 · Pennsylvania
- Henry J. Flemister, Heroin and Crack Cocaine Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2016 · Pennsylvania
- Warren Charles Green IV, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2013 · Pennsylvania
- Tory Bryant, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2018 · Pennsylvania
- Edwin Laureano-Suarez, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2014 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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