A former Cheswick man will serve four years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations after he was sentenced this week in federal court.
Bill Rana, 43, was a fully patched member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and sergeant of arms for the Pittsburgh chapter when he was charged as part of a long-term investigation by the Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force led by the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Investigators said Rana obtained and resold more than 1 kilogram of cocaine and more than 140 grams of methamphetamine. He was charged in the drug case, along with eight co-defendants, in December 2020.
When police searched Rana’s home Dec. 8, 2020, they found a variety of ammunition, which Rana was not allowed to possess because of prior felony convictions. Those included convictions in 1999 for burglary and conspiracy, and in federal court in 2009 for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. He was ordered to serve four years and two months in prison in that case.
Investigators found hundreds of rounds, including some for shotguns, and multiple-caliber ammunition for handguns. Rana was charged with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in March.
The investigation targeted drug sales, including cocaine and methamphetamine, in Allegheny, Westmoreland, Erie, Fayette and Washington counties.
After the prison term, Rana must serve an additional four years of supervised release.
