Date: May 20, 2022 Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov PITTSBURGH — A former resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Tracey Phillips formerly of the City's Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five but less than 15 kilograms of cocaine and at least three but less than 10 kilograms or more of heroin. Additionally, from in and around June 2013, and continuing thereafter to on or about March 19, 2014, Phillips conspired with others to knowingly conduct and attempt to conduct financial transactions involving property representing the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking. Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 4, 2022, at 1:45 pm The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine of not more than $10,500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Charles A. Eberle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation , the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tracey Phillips. This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
