A New Jersey resident, Ryan Mendoza, has been sentenced to 77 months in prison for federal drug trafficking violations. Following his imprisonment, Mendoza will also undergo four years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab on January 22, 2025.
The case dates back to February 25, 2021, when hotel employees in Pittsburgh alerted the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police about a backpack filled with drugs found in a room previously occupied by Mendoza. Upon returning to the hotel and attempting to access his former room, Mendoza was apprehended by police. He admitted to possessing the drugs, which were later identified as heroin and fentanyl.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball led the prosecution for this case. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti praised both the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their roles in investigating and successfully prosecuting Mendoza.