PITTSBURGH, PA — A Wilkinsburg resident has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Howard Palmer, 35, received the sentence from Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. Palmer was convicted of narcotics trafficking, a crime that has seen an increase in recent years, adding to the urgency of law enforcement efforts to combat it.
A Major Bust
The case against Palmer began on February 9, 2023, when federal agents executed search warrants on two apartments on Princeton Boulevard in Wilkinsburg. The execution of the warrants led to a significant discovery: two kilograms of cocaine, two firearms, quantities of fentanyl and other drugs, drug packaging materials, and other items were found in the apartments.
Palmer admitted that the firearms and narcotics were his, marking a crucial turning point in the investigation. His admission provided key evidence that contributed to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
A Considered Sentence
Before announcing Palmer’s sentence, Judge Conti noted that the severity of the punishment was warranted given the large quantity of drugs in Palmer’s possession and the presence of firearms and ammunition. These factors, she indicated, underscored the seriousness of Palmer’s offenses and the potential harm they could inflict on the community.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas C. Maloney, who represented the government in this pivotal legal battle against drug trafficking.
United States Attorney Olshan expressed his gratitude towards the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their diligent work leading to Palmer’s successful prosecution.
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