PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Vashaun Lasalle Wright, 30, of Houston, PA, pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine; possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between March 7, 2018, and March 20, 2018, investigators with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force utilized confidential informants to purchase quantities of fentanyl from Wright and his alleged co-conspirator, Alyssa Adkins. Through those investigative efforts, task force officers obtained a search warrant for a residence located on Main Street in Houston Borough, Washington County, which was utilized by the defendant and Adkins. On March 23, 2018, investigators served the search warrant and seized over 40 grams of fentanyl (which was packaged for distribution), a quantity of cocaine (which was packaged for distribution), approximately $24,000 in U.S. Currency, and three loaded firearms, amongst other evidence. Wright, a felon, admitted in connection with the plea that he unlawfully possessed the three seized firearms and ammunition. Federal law prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms or ammunition. Wright further admitted to possessing the firearms in furtherance of the drug trafficking crimes charged in the Indictment.
Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for Oct. 30, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than ten years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $11,500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Wright.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
