McKees Rocks Man Illegally Possessed Multiple Types of Drugs, Five Firearms, Ammunition and a Bulletproof Vest

PITTSBURGH - A McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Joseph Alexander, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge David Stewart Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that September 11, 2018, members of the FBI Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force executed a federal search warrant at a residence on Saint John Street, in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Mr. Alexander was located throwing objects from the rear window of the residence. Agents responded to the backyard of the residence and recovered quantities of heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, tramadol, and N–Ethylpentylone. Agents then searched the residence and recovered five firearms, an assortment of ammunition, and a bulletproof vest.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine not to exceed $1250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Mark V. Gurzo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation – Western District of Pennsylvania Opioid Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the guilty plea in this case. This Task Force is comprised of FBI Special Agents and state and local Task Force Officers, including officers from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Sherriff’s Department, Allegheny County Police, Port Authority Police, Munhall Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, and Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.