William Blair, Heroin Trafficking, Pennsylvania 2015

Grimy Times Exclusive

Pittsburgh Man Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison for Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

A Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a quantity of heroin, U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

William Blair, 35, of Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies joined forces in a multi-agency wiretap investigation of drug trafficking and violence in the Homewood section of Pittsburgh in 2013. The interception of wire and electronic communications began in December 2013 and continued through the end of August 2014.

During that timeframe, William Blair was intercepted over the wire conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribute heroin, which the conspirators obtained in Cleveland, OH, and transported to the Western District of Pennsylvania for further distribution.

Blair faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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 conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of William Blair.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s bond.

Blair’s sentencing is scheduled for January 7, 2016.

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