PITTSBURGH, PA — Jose Santiago Hernandez, a 32-year-old resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, admitted to violating federal narcotics laws. The one-time local pleaded guilty on February 6, 2024, to attempting to possess with intent to distribute a staggering five kilograms or more of cocaine.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan made the announcement, revealing that Hernandez had confessed before United States Senior District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
The court heard how Hernandez had tried to take possession of two U.S. postal parcels brimming with powder cocaine, a drug classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under federal law. Combined, the parcels contained a jaw-dropping weight of over five kilograms of the illicit substance.
The incident took place on June 28, 2021, when Hernandez’s audacious attempt to claim the parcels was thwarted by vigilant officials.
Now, Hernandez is staring down the barrel of a life sentence. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. However, the actual sentence imposed will be based on the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history Hernandez may have.
Judge Conti has scheduled sentencing for June 6, 2024. As Hernandez awaits his fate, the community of Penn Hills can rest a little easier knowing that a significant amount of drugs has been removed from their streets.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is leading the prosecution on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service deserves credit for the investigation that led to Hernandez’s prosecution, demonstrating once again the crucial role they play in keeping our communities safe from drugs.
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