A former Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced to two additional years in federal prison for possessing contraband while incarcerated. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the sentencing of Lafon Ellis, 30, who is currently serving time at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center.

United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon handed down the sentence after evidence was presented showing that Ellis repeatedly violated prison regulations throughout 2023. Searches of his cell at Allegheny County Jail revealed various contraband items, including a Schedule I controlled substance known as K2, Suboxone strips, and marijuana. Additionally, Ellis faced numerous misconduct reports for refusing orders, threatening staff, engaging in physical altercations, and attempting to fashion a weapon from a nail.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted the case. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti praised the efforts of the United States Marshals Service and Allegheny County Police Department for their roles in investigating and prosecuting Ellis successfully.