Members of Family-Run Drug Trafficking Organization Charged with Selling Heroin and Fentanyl Resulting in Two Fatal and Four Non-Fatal Overdoses

PITTSBURGH, PA - Five Allegheny County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The 15-count indictment, returned on April 4 and unsealed today, named:

Brad Reed, age 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Greg Reed, age 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;

Justin McBride, age 26,  of Munhall, Pennsylvania;

Antoinette McBride, age 29, of Munhall, Pennsylvania; and

Richard Ruby, age 31, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Brad Reed and Greg Reed are twin brothers. Richard Ruby and Justin McBride are both cousins of the Reed twins. Antoinette McBride is married to Justin McBride.

"This indictment charges these five individuals for their roles in a criminal heroin/fentanyl trafficking organization that is responsible for causing two overdose deaths and four non-fatal overdoses in which the victims needed to be revived with naloxone," stated U.S. Attorney Brady. "My office will continue to be relentless in our mission to identify and prosecute drug dealers, reduce overdoses and protect the people of Western Pennsylvania."

According to the indictment presented to the court, from in and around January 2014, and continuing until in or around December 2017, Brad Reed, Greg Reed, Justin McBride, Antoinette McBride, and Richard Ruby conspired to distribute and possess with the intent distribute heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about October 3, 2016, Justin McBride distributed fentanyl which caused serious bodily injury and the death of a user of fentanyl; on or about December 8, 2016, Brad Reed caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl; on or about December 31, 2016, Greg Reed caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl; on or about January 30, 2017, Justin McBride caused serious bodily injury to and the death of a user of heroin and fentanyl; and on or about July 1, 2017, Justin McBride caused serious bodily injury to a user of heroin and fentanyl.

The indictment also alleges that on or about December 16, 2016, Brad Reed possessed with intent to distribute and distributed a quantity of heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that on or about January 31, 2017, Brad Reed, Justin McBride, and Antoinette McBride possessed with intent to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine and, on that same date, Justin McBride also possessed with intent to distribute crack cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on or about February 21, 2017, Brad Reed and Greg Reed possessed with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and Brad Reed unlawfully disposed of property for the purpose of preventing the government from taking the narcotics into its lawful custody. The indictment also alleges that on January 31, 2017, Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride possessed a firearm, a black Taurus .380 caliber pistol, in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

Further, during various times between January 2014 and December 2017, the five defendants maintained and used various premises for manufacturing and distributing heroin and fentanyl. Specifically, the indictment alleges Greg Reed and Brad Reed used and maintained 5116 Lytle Street in Hazelwood; Justin McBride and Antoinette McBride used and maintained an apartment at 1813 West Street in Munhall; and Richard Ruby and Justin McBride used and maintained 5108 Glenwood Avenue in Hazelwood, all for the purpose of manufacturing and distributing heroin and fentanyl.

With respect to the charges against Justin McBride, Brad Reed, and Greg Reed, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. For Antoinette McBride and Richard Ruby, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and Heidi M. Grogan are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.