A Penn Hills resident has been sentenced to 252 months, or 21 years, in prison followed by ten years of supervised release on charges related to drug distribution. Leon Ford, Sr., 58, was convicted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, along with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab stated that Ford's actions posed significant dangers to the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Evidence presented indicated that between March 2021 and September 2021, Ford conspired to distribute significant amounts of cocaine and fentanyl in the Western District of Pennsylvania. In September 2021, Ford was found in possession of fentanyl; wiretaps revealed his involvement in distributing both cocaine and fentanyl.
Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti credited the collaborative work of numerous law enforcement agencies in bringing Ford to justice. “Thanks to the diligent and collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, McKeesport Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement, a recidivist trafficker of fentanyl—a lethal substance—has been removed from our streets for a significant period of time,” he stated. DEA Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett added, “The sentencing of Leon Ford should send a powerful message: justice will prevail against those who threaten the safety and stability of our communities.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine Jordan and Jonathan Lusty. Ford was found guilty of all charges in a jury trial on September 23, 2024. The investigation and prosecution were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF seeks to dismantle major drug trafficking and criminal organizations through cooperation among multiple law enforcement agencies.
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