Wilmerding Felon Charged with Possessing Fentanyl, Heroin and Tramadol Mixture Disguised as Oxycodone Hydrochloride Pills

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Maureen P. Kelly last week on charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one-count Indictment, returned on July 16, 2019, named Keith Navarro-Palmer, age 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, on or about May 15, 2019, Navarro-Palmer possessed with intent to distribute over 100 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, heroin, and tramadol. The initial criminal complaint, which was filed by the Wilkinsburg Police department, indicated that the fentanyl, heroin, tramadol mixture was in the form of a large quantity of pills resembling Oxycodone Hydrochloride 15 milligram tablets. The Indictment further indicated that Navarro-Palmer was previously convicted of both attempted murder and aggravated assault. According to the original police complaint, these prior convictions stem from a June 4, 2005 incident where the defendant fired in excess of 30 rounds at two Pittsburgh Police Officers.

“Pills purchased on the street may contain potentially deadly drugs masquerading as legal prescription medications,” said U.S. Attorney Brady.  “Don’t risk your life.  Only take medications that have been prescribed by your doctor and filled by your pharmacist.”

The law provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison to a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000, 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 Attorney Robert C. Schupansky is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, in conjunction with the Wilkinsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

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