Jury convicts Duquesne man caught with $22K of crack while on parole
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A jury convicted a Duquesne man of violating federal drug laws while on parole after officials found nearly 280 grams of crack cocaine worth more than $22,000 and other street drugs at his residence, prosecutors said Friday.
Donte Taylor, 37, faces a possible sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said.
Jurors in Pittsburgh deliberated for about two hours before reaching the guilty verdict, Brady said.
On May 10, 2018, Taylor was on parole related to a prior offense when parole agents arrived for a routine visit and smelled marijuana, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shanicka L. Kennedy said. The agents had Taylor take a drug test, and it came up positive for marijuana and cocaine, prompting them to call Duquesne police.
Taylor’s approved residence with parole officers was at his girlfriend’s house. His girlfriend initially told police that there was a small amount of marijuana inside and gave permission for police to search the house, prosecutors said.
Officials found and seized 279 grams of crack cocaine, more than a half-pound, worth an estimated street value of $22,000 to $28,000, prosecutors said. They also found cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, about $14,500 in cash inside a safe, scales and other drug packaging materials.
The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the investigation.
In addition to prison time and at least eight years of probation, Taylor could be fined up to $8 million, based on federal guidelines.
U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone ordered Taylor to remain in custody until his June 5 sentencing.