PITTSBURGH, PA — Two residents of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotic laws, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
The defendants, identified as 33-year-old Marcos Francisco-Tomas and 27-year-old Andres Flores-Cedeno, are facing two counts of federal drug charges.
As outlined in the indictment, on February 17, 2024, both Francisco-Tomas and Flores-Cedeno are alleged to have conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. The defendants are also accused of possessing with the intent to distribute the same quantity of cocaine on the same date.
If found guilty, the law stipulates a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. The actual sentence imposed, however, would be based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history of the defendants, as per the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Douglas C. Maloney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation leading to the indictments.
The case is part of a wider investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). The OCDETF aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that pose a threat to the United States.
While the charges are serious, it’s important to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.