Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Pittsburgh Resident Indicted on Drug and Firearms Violations
PITTSBURGH — A resident of Pittsburgh has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal drug trafficking and firearms laws, U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
The six-count superseding indictment named Lester Burrell Jackson III, 32, as the sole defendant in this case.
According to the superseding indictment, Jackson distributed multiple quantities of methamphetamine on or about Nov. 14, 2023; Dec. 7, 2023; and Jan. 2, 2024. Additionally, Jackson possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, possessed a firearm and ammunition after being convicted of a felony, and carried a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about January 27. Federal law prohibits an individual who has been convicted of a felony from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The law provides for a maximum possible sentence of not less than 15 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the Superseding Indictment in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results.
A superseding indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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