A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced to 135 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for violations of federal narcotics and firearms laws. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
The sentence was imposed on Willie Blair Jr., aged 43, by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan on January 14, 2025.
Court documents revealed that in early October 2022, Blair intended to distribute over one kilogram of a substance containing fentanyl and attempted to possess more than two kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute. As a convicted felon, he also illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition.
Blair's residence became the focus of law enforcement after a suspicious United States Postal Service parcel containing about two kilograms of cocaine was addressed there. A search warrant executed at his home and vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 1,262.8 grams of fentanyl along with drug trafficking paraphernalia including a kilogram press and packaging materials. In the main bedroom, authorities found a loaded Glock pistol and various ammunition.
Blair admitted ownership of the drugs, trafficking tools, pistol, and ammunition. He also confessed to being involved in multi-kilogram distribution of fentanyl and heroin as well as attempting possession with intent to distribute the cocaine from the USPS parcel. His criminal history includes several felony convictions related to controlled substances, notably a federal conviction for conspiracy involving heroin distribution.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler represented the government in this case.
United States Attorney Olshan praised several agencies for their roles in investigating Blair: "the United States Postal Inspection Service," "Drug Enforcement Administration High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force," "Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General," and "Pennsylvania State Police."