PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A Pittsburgh resident has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearm charges following a law enforcement investigation that uncovered a fentanyl and cocaine conspiracy and a stolen firearm in his home.
Ronell Cathie, 31, entered the guilty plea on Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. Prosecutors say Cathie conspired to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between March and July of last year. The charges stem from an investigation that culminated in a July 19, 2024, search of his residence.
During the search, authorities recovered a stolen firearm, a magazine, and ammunition. Cathie, who has multiple felony firearm convictions, is barred from possessing any weapons or ammunition under federal law.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 12. Cathie faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. His sentence will ultimately be determined by federal guidelines based on his criminal history and the severity of the offenses.
He remains in custody pending sentencing.
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.