Julian Thompson, a 33-year-old resident of Pittsburgh, pleaded guilty on Mar. 10 in federal court to charges of failing to surrender for a prison term and distributing fentanyl and heroin while a fugitive, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address narcotics distribution and ensure compliance with federal sentencing orders.
Court records show that Thompson was previously sentenced on Nov. 21, 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania to ten years in prison for possession with intent to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court had allowed him to self-surrender at a later date, but he failed to do so. This led the U.S. Marshals Service Western Pennsylvania Fugitive Task Force to begin searching for him.
Authorities discovered during the summer of 2025 that Thompson had returned to Pittsburgh and was again involved in distributing controlled substances. In September 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation purchased drugs from Thompson as part of an investigation. The substances included mixtures containing fentanyl and heroin packaged in more than 250 glassine bags. Following this operation, authorities executed search warrants on Thompson and his residence, seizing a loaded drum magazine, jewelry, and $65,900.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy scheduled sentencing for July 21, 2026. For failing to surrender, Thompson faces up to ten years in prison—served consecutively with any other sentence—and fines up to $250,000. For drug distribution, he could receive up to thirty years in prison and fines up to $2 million. The actual sentence will depend on federal guidelines considering the seriousness of the offenses and Thompson’s criminal history.
Pending sentencing, Judge Hardy ordered that Thompson remain in custody with the U.S. Marshals Service.
