PITTSBURGH - A former resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotic laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The two-count superseding indictment, returned on Jan. 16, named Denver Sangster, 41.
According to the superseding indictment, Sangster possessed four firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on March 30, 2016; specifically, in furtherance of the possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. The superseding indictment also charges Sangster with possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and quantities of cocaine and marijuana.
For the count of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, the law provides for a minimum sentence of not less than 5 years and a maximum of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. For the separate count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life prison, a fine of $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in a America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam N. Hallowell and Katherine A. King are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
