Score:   1
Docket Number:   WD-PA  2:19-cr-00160
Case Name:   USA v. LEAVY et al
  Press Releases:
PITTSBURGH, PA – Three former residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking in connection with a large-scale investigation conducted by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Howard McFadden, 30, formerly of Turtle Creek, PA, Donald Singleton, 48, formerly of Penn Hills, PA, and Chadlin Leavy, 31, of Pittsburgh, PA pleaded guilty this week to multiple counts related to their involvement in conspiracies to distribute controlled substances in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around Braddock Borough and identified several members and associates of a neighborhood-based street gang, self-titled "SCO" that were responsible for distributing controlled substances in Western Pennsylvania, including SCO’s leader, Howard McFadden.

In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. Through the course of this investigation, the Court was informed that intercepted communications confirmed McFadden’s involvement in drug-trafficking as well as other members, associates and/or suppliers of McFadden – and SCO, including Singleton and Leavy.

As to McFadden, the Court was informed, that McFadden used younger SCO members and associates as runners and couriers to facilitate drug transactions with his drug customers. He also used a number of houses, throughout Braddock, including houses that he owned via his house-flipping business, H&M Home Solutions, as stash house locations. The Court was informed that on one occasion, McFadden and another member of the conspiracy were observed sitting in McFadden’s vehicle, parked on Seddon Avenue, placing a clear plastic baggie containing suspected narcotics on a scale located on the center armrest of McFadden’s vehicle.

In conjunction with his guilty plea McFadden also admitted that he unlawfully possessed a Glock 30, .45 caliber automatic pistol, which law enforcement seized at the time of McFadden’s arrest. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized from McFadden a Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Glock pistol, high-end jewelry and a total of $23,578. In conjunction with the change of plea, McFadden admitted to conspiring to distribute 1,128 grams of heroin, 2,546 grams of cocaine and 371.15 grams of cocaine base.

As to Singleton, the Court was informed that he was one of McFadden’s close associates and regularly talked with McFadden over the phone to discuss their drug-trafficking operations. Singleton, who maintained his own smaller customer base, admitted that in addition to providing McFadden with drug-trafficking advice and the names of individuals who could supply McFadden with controlled substances that he also let McFadden use an apartment in Monroeville at the Wellington Square Apartment complex to process cocaine into cocaine base, more commonly known as crack. On June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized numerous items from this apartment indicative of drug-trafficking. In conjunction with the change of plea, Singleton admitted to conspiring to distribute 80 grams of heroin, 2,000 grams of cocaine and 84 grams of cocaine base.

As to Leavy, the Court was informed that Leavy was a heroin, cocaine and marijuana source of supply for McFadden, among others. The Court was informed that law enforcement stopped Leavy while he was en route to meet with his marijuana source of supply, Jared Eck, to purchase 25- 30 lbs of marijuana from Eck for $30,000. Law enforcement found the $30,000 in the vehicle and seized it. Additionally, the Court was advised that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized from Leavy’s residence a 2008 Mercedes Benz S550, $42,882, four firearms and related magazines and ammunition, and high-end jewelry. In conjunction with the change of plea, Leavy admitted to conspiring to distribute 585 grams of heroin, 1,526 grams of cocaine and 53 kilograms of marijuana.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing as to Leavy for May 21, 2020, at 9:00 AM, as to Singleton for July 15, 2020, at 10:00 AM, and as to McFadden for July 28, 2020, at 11:00 AM.

As to McFadden, the law provides for maximum sentence of not less than 15 years and not more than life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, or both. As to Leavy and Singleton, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Leavy remains on bond pending sentencing in this matter.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A two residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Larry Dandridge, age 24, formerly of Monroeville, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab. 

Damien Franklin, age 26, of Trafford, PA, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, also before Judge Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock area.  In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019.

As to Dandridge, intercepted communications confirmed that Dandridge was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin in the Western District of Pennsylvania.  The Court was further informed that Dandridge accepted responsibility for the distribution of 95 grams of heroin and seven pounds of marijuana between of April of 2019 and May of 2019.

As to Franklin, intercepted communications confirmed that Franklin was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute cocaine in the Western District of Pennsylvania.  The Court was further informed that during at least two occasions, law enforcement seized a total of 672 grams of cocaine from Franklin’s drug customers.  Franklin accepted responsibility for the distribution of at least 1,246 grams of cocaine.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dandridge on May 5, 2020 at 10:00 AM, and on May 7, 2020 at 9:00 AM for Franklin.  As to Dandridge, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine of not more than $1,000,000, or both.  As to Franklin, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  Dandridge remains detained and Franklin remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF).  The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A resident of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of narcotics trafficking, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Marvin Porter, age 49, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment at Criminal No. 19-160, charging him with conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, between April 2019 and May 2019, before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock borough of Pittsburgh. In January of 2019, investigators obtained authorization to conduct a federal wire investigation, which continued through May of 2019. In April of 2019, intercepted communications confirmed that Mr. Porter was conspiring with others to possess with intent to distribute heroin in the Western District of Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Court was advised that on June 12, 2019, law enforcement seized a suitcase containing 612 bricks and one bundle of heroin, six firearms as well as related magazines and ammunition, jewelry, and a digital scale from Mr. Porter’s residence.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for April 22, 2020, at 9:00 AM. The law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has issued three separate, but related, indictments, charging 33 residents of southwestern Pennsylvania with narcotics trafficking and firearm possession, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The first Indictment, unsealed today, contains three conspiracy counts and names the following 25 individuals as defendants in one or more of the drug conspiracies:

• Howard McFadden, 29, of Turtle Creek, PA

• James Wells, 31, of Braddock, PA

• Donald Singleton, 47, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Richard Coto-Wheat, 26, of Duquesne, PA

• Jaymare Jackson, 29, of Braddock, PA

• Dorian Boyd, 24, of Braddock, PA

• Delbert Pate, 26, of Duquesne, PA

• Michael Rose, 27, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Reginald Brown, 29, of East Pittsburgh, PA

• Kreg Williams, 29, of Duquesne, PA

• Keenan Williams, 21, of Duquesne, PA

• Rand Wolford, 31, of Braddock, PA

• Marcel Sewell, 58, of Braddock, PA

• Talen Holmes, 21, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Rodney Dennard, 51, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Bernard Wilkins, 56, of Irwin, PA

• William Kalna, 50, of West Newton, PA

• Justin Law, 30, of Wilkinsburg, PA

• Tyrone Roilton, 28, of Braddock, PA

• Lisamarie Ross, 35, of New Alexandria, PA

• Travis Moore, 26, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Thomas Dwyer, 42, of Homestead, PA

• Gregory Luptak, 51, of North Huntington, PA

• Paula DeBaker, 55, of Braddock, PA

• Philip Matey, 53, of North Braddock, PA

According to this Indictment, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance; 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance; and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance, between August 2018 and May 2019. The Indictment seeks forfeiture of the following items: two (2) vehicles – a Jeep Grand Cherokee, associated with McFadden, and a GMC Sierra, associated with Singleton.

The Indictment further alleges that on April 15, 2019, Michael Rose possessed with intent to distribute heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, as well as cocaine and crack, both Schedule II controlled substances. Rose, a convicted felon, who is prohibited from lawfully possessing a firearm, is also charged with possessing a firearm, and possessing the firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. As it relates to these counts, the Indictment seeks forfeiture of the following items: $892.00 and a Glock 19x pistol, bearing serial number BHWU068, associated with Michael Rose.

The second Indictment, unsealed today, contains two counts and names the following four individuals as defendants:

• Chadlin Leavy, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA (also charged in the third Indictment)

• Marvin Porter, 48, of Allison Park, PA

• Damien Franklin, 26, of Verona, PA

• Larry Dandridge, 24, of Monroeville, PA

According to this Indictment, the above-named defendants, and others conspired to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, a Schedule I controlled substance, and 500 grams or more of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, between April and May of 2019. The Indictment seeks forfeiture of a Mercedes Benz S5A, associated with Leavy.

The third Indictment, also unsealed today, contains two counts and names the following five individuals as defendants:

• Eric Vanderslice, 39, of Phoenixville, PA

• Wayne Barker, 61, of West Mifflin, PA

• William Barker, 63, of Upper St. Clair, PA

• Jared Eck, 28, of Pittsburgh, PA

• Chadlin Leavy, 30, of Pittsburgh, PA (also charged in the second Indictment)

According to this Indictment, these defendants and others conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, between April and May 2019. Additionally, on May 24, 2019, the Barkers and Vanderslice are alleged to have distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. The Indictment also seeks forfeiture of the following vehicles: a Dodge Ram 1500, associated with Vanderslice, a Ford F-150, associated with Eck, and a Jeep Wrangler, associated with Leavy. Additionally, the Indictment seeks forfeiture of a total of $518,476 in United States currency, which was seized by law enforcement from Vanderslice ($469,475.00), Wayne Barker ($5,012.00), Eck ($13,989) and Leavy ($30,000).

If convicted, the defendants would face the following penalties. As to the conspiracy counts involving 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine, the law provides for a minimum sentence of at least 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prisonand and a fine of not more than $5,000,000. As to the conspiracy count involving 280 grams or more of crack, the law provides for a minimum sentence of at least 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a fine of not more than $10,000,000. As to Michael Rose, the law provides for a minimum sentence of at least 5 years in prison and up to life in prison, and a fine of not more than $2,000,000. As to the conspiracy involving 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, the law provides for a minimum sentence of at least 5 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison imprisonment, a fine of not more than $5,000,000, 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 of each defendant.

The Pittsburgh Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Allegheny County Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Other assisting agencies include the Allegheny County Adult Probation, Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Shaler Township Police Department and Wilkinsburg Police Department.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting these cases on behalf of the government.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Docket (0 Docs):   https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aQctUd0OB2CzJZ5tqc6XPN-XuzJrmMollXMEVgBGVhw
  Last Updated: 2024-03-11 09:50:19 UTC
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY

Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2

Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2

Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2

Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7

Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3

Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3

Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5

Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2

Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18

Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15

Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2

Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1

Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2

Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: A code indicating the event by which a defendant appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: A2

Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2

Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20

Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2

Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4

Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4

Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3

Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20

Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2

Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4

Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4

Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3

Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5

Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8

Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1

Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1

Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1

Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1

Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10

Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2

Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD

Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year
Format: YYYY

Data imported from FJC Integrated Database
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