Crime & Safety
Pittsburgh-Area Man Faces Possible Life Sentence For Drug, Gun Crimes
Crack dealing could put a Pittsburgh-area man behind bars for life.
PITTSBURGH, PA — A West Mifflin man faces a potential life sentence in prison after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court this week to charges of drug trafficking and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Tyree Saunders, 21, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy.
According to Troy Rivetti, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, an undercover officer made a purchase of various controlled substances, including crack cocaine, directly from Saunders. Based on that and other information, the FBI obtained authority to intercept Saunders’ communications, which revealed that Saunders was regularly selling crack cocaine and used a firearm to threaten a co-conspirator.
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A warrant. was obtained to search Saunders' home, where authorities found crack cocaine and a firearm.
In addition to the possible life sentence, Saunders also faces a fine of up to $2.25 million.
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Sentencing is set for Jan. 13.
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