Sunday, July 04, 2021

Turtle Creek Woman Admits Role in Fentanyl Trafficking Scheme

 PITTSBURGH - A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of narcotics trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Marleka Robinson, age 26, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on September 11, 2016, Marleka Robinson obtained a large quantity of fentanyl from a distributor in the Knoxville section of Pittsburgh at Robinson’s brother and co-defendant Jerry Coker’s request. Robinson returned the drugs to the residence she shared with Coker and their other sister, codefendant Monique Robinson. A search warrant executed at the Coker residence the following day resulted in the seizure of more than 285 grams of fentanyl and small quantities of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana. Drug packaging, weighing, and distributing materials were found strewn through the house, along with two Smith & Wesson pistols and $8,900 in cash, all of which were seized by law enforcement.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for October 19, 2021, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five and not more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court ordered Robinson on bond pending appeal.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Robinson.

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