Mar 1, 2018 2 min read

A Donora man pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to running a stash house for a cross-country drug trafficking operation.

Anthony Davis, 41, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of possession with intent to deliver cocaine stemming from a Dec. 13 raid at his home carried out by FBI special agents and other members of law enforcement.

During the search, investigators seized about five ounces of cocaine, large amounts of marijuana, approximately $11,025 in cash, and a large, hydraulic kilo press in the basement. As part of his guilty plea, Davis agreed to forfeit the items seized at his Castner Avenue home that day, according to the office of U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady in Pittsburgh.

Prosecutors said Davis was part of a drug trafficking organization run by Jamie Lightfoot Jr., of Verona and formerly of the Mon Valley, and Don Juan Mendoza of Georgia. Brandon Thomas of Donora and Deaubre Lightfoot of Monessen also were arrested with Davis.

The ring was broken up in November when investigators seized 52 kilograms of cocaine, 85 pounds of marijuana and two firearms as part of the probe into what they called a cross-country drug operation. The drugs were hidden in a recreational vehicle traveling from the Los Angeles area to Jamie Lightfoot’s residence, the prosecution alleged.

Davis’ safe house operated from April to December of last year. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

Deaubre Lightfoot, 28, of Monessen, and Thomas, of Donora, are each charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine. Jamie Lightfoot Jr., 25, faces charges of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a crime. Mendoza, 38, faces charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, drug possession with intent to deliver, possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a crime and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. All four suspects are awaiting trial in the case in federal court.