Washington, Pa. Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl

PITTSBURGH – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against a resident of the City of Washington, Washington County, Pennsylvania, on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The seven-count superseding indictment named Jerome "Bubba" Barnes, age 33, as the sole defendant.

According to the superseding indictment, from in and around June 2016, to in and around July 2017, Barnes conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and a detectable amount of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance. The superseding indictment also alleges that Barnes distributed and possessed with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and fentanyl between April and June of 2017.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, 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.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania State Police and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the superseding indictment in this case.

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