A Pittsburgh man has admitted guilt in federal court to his role in a drug trafficking operation.
Rico Taylor, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, authorities reported Wednesday.
Taylor is one of 36 defendants charged in the indictment. Charges were in connection with a large-scale investigation by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force targeting Darccide/Smash 44, or DS44 — a neighborhood gang — and its drug trafficking around Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood.
Federal authorities said Taylor was involved in the distribution of heroin and fentanyl, including serving as heroin and fentanyl supplier for co-conspirator Christopher Highsmith.
Highsmith, 26, of Irwin, prosecutors said, was among the leaders of the conspiracy.
Several of those indicted have also pleaded guilty to federal charges.
In February 2019, the case became a federal wire investigation, which continued through June 2019.
US District Judge William S. Stickman IV scheduled Taylor’s sentencing for Sept. 21.
