PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former resident of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Shawn Bernard Nichols, 28, formerly of Wilkinsburg, PA, pleaded guilty to a 2-count Indictment charging him with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl analogues (U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl) before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Aug. 11, 2017, and Aug. 17, 2017, the defendant distributed heroin and fentanyl analogues to confidential informant(s) working on behalf of law enforcement authorities in Washington County, Pennsylvania. The Court was advised that the investigation into Nichols was prompted following the August 2017 overdose death of a Canonsburg resident. In connection with that overdose, law enforcement seized stamp bags containing fentanyl analogues (U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl), which were marked "Wildcat". In connection with the plea, Mr. Nichols admitted that on Aug. 11, 2017, he distributed "Wildcat" stamp bags containing those substances to an informant working with law enforcement. In a related filing with the Court, the government provided notice that Mr. Nichols was previously convicted in two prior cases from February and March 2014 in the Courts of Common Pleas of Washington and Allegheny Counties, of drug dealing and conspiracy.
Chief Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine not to exceed $2,000,000, 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. Pending sentencing, Mr. Nichols remains in the custody of the United States Marshals.
Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, and the Canonsburg Police Department, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Nichols.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
