2 men plead guilty for selling heroin, cocaine in Braddock area

Two men pleaded guilty in federal court last week to narcotics trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced Tuesday.

Larry Dandridge, 24, of Monroeville pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin while Damien Franklin, 26, of Trafford, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

Two other men, Chadlin Leavey, 30, of Pittsburgh, and Marvin Porter, 48, of Allison Park, also are accused in the conspiracy that was announced in a regional roundup in June.

Court records show the first two pleas were made Thursday before Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady said the men were investigated by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force when it conducted a long-term investigation of drug trafficking occurring in and around the Braddock area. Wiretaps were used.

Prosecutors allege Dandridge distributed more than three ounces of heroin and seven pounds of marijuana between April and May.

Franklin is accused of distributing almost three pounds of cocaine.

The U.S. Attorney’s office said both men also accepted responsibility for distributing the drugs.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Dandridge on May 5, and for Franklin on May 7.

The FBI led the multi-agency investigation of the case, which also included the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, County Police Department, State Police, state Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Narcotics, and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.

Also assisting the agencies were the Monroeville Police Department, Penn Hills Police Department, Wilkinsburg Police Department, and Allegheny County Adult Probation.