PITTSBURGH – After deliberating approximately two hours, a
federal jury found Cameron Basking guilty of four counts stemming from an FBI
investigation that culminated in seven search warrants in Allegheny County and
the seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl, multiple firearms and ammunition,
United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Basking, age 28, of Wilkinsburg, Pa., was tried before
United States Judge Marilyn S. Horan. He was convicted after a week-long trial
of one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than
40 grams of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more
of fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime,
and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
According to information presented during the course of the
trial, Cameron Basking was part of a large-scale fentanyl trafficking
conspiracy operating in Allegheny County from January to March 14 of 2018.
Basking would receive large amounts of fentanyl from two co-conspirator
suppliers and then mix that fentanyl for future resale. To further this
conspiracy, Basking used multiple locations in Allegheny County to cut and mix
the fentanyl, store the fentanyl, and sell the fentanyl.
As part of the investigation, on March 14, 2018, members of
the FBI’s Western Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force executed search warrants at
multiple locations and vehicles tied to Basking. At an address on Princeton Boulevard in
Wilkinsburg, investigators recovered tens of thousands of stamp bags used to
package fentanyl in the basement of this location as well as ammunition. At an address on West Carter in North
Versailles, investigators recovered voluminous drug and drug-related evidence,
including over 40 grams of fentanyl, thousands of stamp bags, blenders and
grinders, and gas masks to protect from fentanyl exposure. Additionally at the West Carter address,
investigators recovered a fully-loaded 9mm Glock handgun, a fully-loaded
Bushmaster .308 assault rifle, two extended 9mm magazines, and hundreds of rounds
of ammunition. At another location in
Wilkinsburg, on Rebecca Street, investigators recovered another firearm and
ammunition, a quantity of fentanyl, six digital scales for drug distribution
use and fentanyl packaging material.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Basking used the West
Carter location to store the fentanyl, the Princeton Boulevard location to cut
and mix the fentanyl for distribution, and the Rebecca Street location as the
distribution center.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for February 10, 2020. Basking faces a maximum total sentence of not
less than 10 years and up to life 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 of the defendant.
Indicate relevant bond/detention information if known
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy M. Lanni and
Christopher Cook represented the Government in this prosecution and trial.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of
Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the
conviction 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. The Allegheny Office of
the Medical Examiner, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Narcotics and Vice Division,
and the Drug Enforcement Agency also assisted in the prosecution of this case.
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