Washington, Pa., man gets up to 13 years for crimes involving drugs, guns, domestic violence

A Washington, Pa., man was sentenced this week to 6 1/2 to 13 years in state prison for cases involving domestic violence, drugs and gun possession.

Shaquore Yarbrough, 26, of Third Street, was sentenced Wednesday in Washington City by Judge Valarie Costanzo.

District Attorney Eugene A. Vittone said Yarbrough was a “mid-level” dealer. He said several cases were prosecuted at the same time.

Prosecutors said Yarbrough admitted that on July 18, 2017 that he strangled and assaulted his then-girlfriend by holding her by the throat, pushing her to the floor, and kicking and striking her.

Yarbrough is also accused while in the Washington County jail later of using another inmate’s account to contact the ex-girlfriend in an attempt to convince her not to testify against him. Detectives were able to obtain video and audio of the witness intimidation. Yarbrough pleaded guilty witness intimidation.

Prosecutors said that on Sept. 2, 2016, Yarbrough was the passenger of a vehicle that was stopped by state police. Officer’s patted him down and felt a bulge in his pocket, which turned out to be 45 stamp bags of a heroin fentanyl mix. He had a warrant for his arrest for a parole violation and was taken into custody. Yarbrough pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver.

Then on June 4, 2018, district attorney’s drug task force detectives, Washington City police and state police raided Yarbrough’s house. Detectives found two bundles of heroin and more than $1,200 in cash.

As police entered the house, Yarbrough fled out the back, and jumped from a second-floor balcony. When he hit the ground, he dropped a Glock 27 handgun with an obliterated serial number and a bullet in the chamber.

As the result of his previous felony convictions, Yarbrough was prohibited from possessing a gun.

Washington County Assistant District Attorney Rachel Wheeler, who prosecuted the current case, said Yarbrough’s significant criminal record led to his latest prison sentence.