A Duquesne, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced the sentencing of Courtney Washington Jr., aged 31, who was convicted by a federal jury in September 2024 on two counts of violating federal firearms laws. Prior to this trial, Washington pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
The court heard that Washington was involved in large-scale fentanyl trafficking. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on April 17, 2023. During the operation, Washington attempted unsuccessfully to destroy drugs by placing them in a washing machine. Officers discovered approximately $45,000 worth of fentanyl inside the machine. Additionally, a loaded and stolen .45 Glock handgun was found concealed in the rafters above the washing machine, just six feet from where the drugs were located. As a previously convicted felon for drug trafficking, Washington is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand handed down the sentence of 248 months imprisonment followed by six months of supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan T. Conway and V. Joseph Sonson represented the government in this case.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti praised the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with Allegheny County Police Department and Duquesne Police Department for their roles in investigating and prosecuting Washington successfully.
