PITTSBURGH, PA — A 53-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kevin Rucker, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a staggering five kilograms or more of cocaine. United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the development on Monday, marking a major milestone in the fight against drug distribution in the area.
Rucker admitted his guilt to the one count before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. The court learned that Rucker was responsible for distributing large quantities of cocaine across Pittsburgh, having pushed out between 15 and 50 kilograms of the illicit drug from July 2022 to June 2023.
This isn’t Rucker’s first brush with the law. He was previously convicted in 2015 in federal court in Pittsburgh for conspiring to distribute heroin, further highlighting his history with drug-related offenses.
Judge Stickman has scheduled the sentencing for July 2, 2024. Given Rucker’s criminal history, he could face a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison. In addition, he could be hit with a fine of up to $10 million. The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offense and Rucker’s prior criminal history.
In the meantime, the court has ordered that Rucker remain detained pending sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney. The Drug Enforcement Agency, working closely with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, conducted the investigation leading to Rucker’s prosecution.
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