Two Pittsburgh Residents Indicted on Drug Charges

PITTSBURGH, PA. - Two residents of Pittsburgh, PA, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

The two-count Indictment named Jared Thomas, 38, and Catherine Strong, 35, as defendants.

According to the Indictment presented to the grand jury, on March 11, 2021, Thomas was found to be in possession of cocaine, 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and fentanyl, and Strong was found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000 or both for Thomas and a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both for Strong. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants. The defendants are currently being detained at the Allegheny County Jail.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.