Source: Office of United States Attorneys
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Plum, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to violations of federal drug trafficking and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Solomon Givens, 55, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Robert J. Colville to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture of para-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl, 100 grams or more of para-fluorofentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. Givens also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on October 12, 2021, members of the DEA and Allegheny County District Attorney Narcotics Enforcement Team (DANET) executed a search warrant on an apartment used by Givens, who has 13 prior felony convictions. During the search, investigators recovered 1.5 kilograms of a mixture of para-fluorofentanyl and fentanyl, 399 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, 770 grams of methamphetamine, 746 grams of cocaine, 71 grams of crack cocaine, and drug packaging materials. Investigators also recovered eight firearms from the residence. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Colville scheduled sentencing for May 29, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, 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 of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered that the defendant remain in custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Allegheny County DANET unit conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Givens.