Washington man charged with distributing heroin, illegal gun possession
A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted a Washington man for violating the federal narcotics and firearms laws.
According to the four-count indictment, Gerald Herion Williams, 33, who is a convicted felon, possessed a firearm and ammunition September 12, a violation of federal law.
The indictment also charges Williams with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin and fentanyl August 28, and quantities of methoxyacetyl fentanyl, a controlled substance analogue, September 8 and 15, 2017.
Williams faces a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $6,250,000, or both.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Wheeler of the Washington County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
The Washington County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force, Washington City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to Williams’ indictment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge. On July 12, 2018, Attorney General Jeff Sessions selected the Western District of Pennsylvania as one of 10 districts from across the country to implement the program.
All cases involving the illegal distribution of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, that arise in Washington County will be prosecuted in federal court. The program aims to reduce the number of overdose fatalities and eliminate drug trafficking in synthetic opioids.
The United States Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police and local Washington County police departments, are leading Operation S.O.S.