Repeated Pittsburgh Narcotics Trafficker Convicted On Drug Charges

Sunday, September 29, 2024, 12:50 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

PITTSBURGH, PA.- On Monday, September 23, 2024, a federal jury for the Western District of Pennsylvania found Leon C. Ford, 58, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, guilty of one count of Distribution of Cocaine; and one count of Distribution of Fentanyl.

Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison

     On Monday, Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab accepted the jury’s verdict and remanded Ford to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for January 29, 2025. At that time, Ford, because of his prior conviction, faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and a $20 million fine, or both.

     According to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan and evidence presented at trial, Ford, who has been previously convicted of a federal drug trafficking violation, conspired to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl between March 2021 and September 2021. Ford also possessed with the intent to distribute a kilogram of fentanyl on September 16, 2021.

Ford Targeted In Long-Term Investigation

     Ford was the subject of a long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation, which included, among other evidence, the seizure of a kilogram of fentanyl from a co-defendant’s residence that Ford was utilizing as a “stash house.” 

     During the seizure, investigators determined that the markings on the fentanyl were consistent with coded references Ford used in intercepted federal court-authorized wiretaps. Investigators also recovered $240,000 in drug proceeds from Ford’s residence and motor vehicle.

     U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Offices, McKeesport Police Department, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Fort Worth Police Department, and Dallas Police Department for the investigation, arrest, and conviction of Ford.