PITTSBURGH, PA — Marcus Valenzi, a 35-year-old resident of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, has pleaded guilty to serious charges of drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. The announcement, made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the local area.
Standing before United States Senior District Judge David S. Cercone, Valenzi admitted to his role in a nefarious plot to distribute fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that’s been at the heart of the nation’s drug crisis. But that’s not all – he also owned up to possessing a firearm despite being a convicted felon, a clear violation of federal law.
The court was informed that Valenzi was a key player in a drug trafficking ring that had its claws in the Western District of Pennsylvania. This sinister revelation came to light following a meticulous investigation by both federal and state law enforcement from August 2022 to November 2023. Raids on various hideouts in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, unearthed not just fentanyl but also firearms and cellphones, laying bare the scale of the operation.
A dramatic twist in the tale came when authorities raided Valenzi’s own residence on November 15, 2023. They discovered over $16,000 in cash, several cellphones, and xylazine – a veterinary sedative alarmingly used to cut fentanyl, increasing its danger. Further digging into Valenzi’s phones unveiled chilling communications with a customer desperately seeking the return of his firearm. Valenzi’s cold reply? He had disposed of the weapon in the river following the raids.
Valenzi’s past criminal record, including a felony conviction in Florida for robbery, meant he was already on thin ice. Federal laws strictly prohibit felons from possessing firearms or ammunition, adding another layer of illegality to his actions.
With sentencing set for July 18, 2024, Valenzi faces up to 20 years behind bars for the drug conspiracy charge, alongside a potential $1 million fine. The firearm charge could add up to 15 more years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The severity of these penalties reflects the gravity of Valenzi’s offenses and his prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is spearheading the prosecution, ensuring that justice is served. The case, investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police, underscores the relentless pursuit of those who threaten community safety with drugs and guns.
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