PITTSBURGH, PA — James Stewart, a 44-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, entered a guilty plea for his role in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan, following Stewart’s admission of guilt before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville on April 16.
The case against Stewart emerged from a comprehensive investigation spearheaded by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This probe delved into the intertwined networks of drug trafficking and illegal firearms operations within the Western District of Pennsylvania. Central to the investigation was Anthony Peluso, identified as a major trafficker of heroin and cocaine, who was found to have provided narcotics to lower-level dealers.
Evidence gathered during the investigation pinpointed Stewart as a recurring customer of Peluso, engaging in multiple transactions to acquire cocaine, which he subsequently distributed. The collaborative effort to dismantle this drug distribution network involved an array of law enforcement agencies, including the United States Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, among others.
Judge Colville has scheduled Stewart’s sentencing for August 15, 2024. Stewart faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. The final sentence will be determined according to the federal Sentencing Guidelines, taking into account the gravity of the offense and Stewart’s criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca L. Silinski and Jonathan D. Lusty are leading the prosecution, underscoring the government’s commitment to curbing the flow of illegal narcotics and holding those involved accountable.
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