PITTSBURGH, PA — A Federal court has handed down a significant sentence to a man found guilty of trafficking dangerous narcotics. Randy Cross, 40, a former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will spend the next seven years in federal prison, followed by an extensive period of supervised release lasting six years. This sentencing, announced on April 3, 2024, by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan, marks a critical victory in the ongoing battle against drug distribution networks.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV delivered the judgment, following Cross’s conviction on charges of violating federal narcotics laws. The case against Cross unfolded after law enforcement officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police discovered a substantial quantity of drugs at his residence in March 2021. The haul included 33 bricks, 11 bundles, and three plastic storage bags filled with a potent mixture of heroin and fentanyl, alongside $11,260 in cash. The seizure underscores the scale of Cross’s operation and the risks it posed to public health.
Heroin and fentanyl are at the heart of the opioid epidemic ravaging the United States, with fentanyl, in particular, known for its deadly potency. Just a few milligrams of this synthetic opioid can prove fatal, making its proliferation a significant concern for authorities. The combination of heroin and fentanyl amplifies the risk of overdose, a grim reality that law enforcement and health officials are striving to combat.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty represented the government in the prosecution of Cross, highlighting the collaborative effort between federal and local agencies in tackling the scourge of narcotics distribution. The case was bolstered by the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration alongside the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, whose efforts were commended by United States Attorney Olshan.
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