Shaler Twp. Man Pleads Guilty in Safe Streets Task Force Investigation of Drug Trafficking

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marvin Porter, age 49, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment at Criminal No. 19-160, charging him with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, between April 2019 and May 2019, before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock borough of Pittsburgh. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. In April of 2019, intercepted communications confirmed that Mr. Porter was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Court was advised that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized a suitcase containing 612 bricks and one bundle of heroin, six firearms as well as related magazines and ammunition, jewelry, and a digital scale from Mr. Porter’s residence.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2020, at 9:00 AM. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.