PITTSBURGH, PA – Seventeen people have been charged with violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws, following a four-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking, unlawful firearms possession, and gang activity in Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhoods.
United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced the charges today, underscoring the commitment of his office, along with law enforcement partners at the FBI, ATF, and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, to protect the residents of Western Pennsylvania from gun violence and the trafficking of dangerous drugs like fentanyl.
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall commented on the importance of community safety, stating, “Violence doesn’t belong in our communities. Those indicted today have targeted the Northside in and around the Allegheny Commons for far too long.”
The first Indictment names Dayon Shelton, 32, as the sole defendant. Shelton is charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on April 5, 2023. If convicted, Shelton faces a maximum total sentence of 5 to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The second nineteen-count Indictment charges sixteen defendants with various violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws occurring between December 2022 and August 2023. Fifteen named defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”).
Several defendants, including Dejarnette Blanchard, Babangida Adam, Kenneth Blanchard, Terry Booth, Norman Davis, Terry James, Demetrius Reynolds, and Denzel Tomlin, face additional charges for possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. Some are further charged with federal firearms violations, including unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking or as convicted felons.
One defendant remains a fugitive and has not been publicly identified.
The charges are the result of a collaborative effort involving federal and local agencies, reflecting an ongoing commitment to rid the community of violent crime and dangerous drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s office pledged to continue working alongside law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute the most dangerous offenders in the region.