A McKees Rocks man, identified as Reginald Bernard Blunt, age 32, received a 12-year sentence on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. This sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer on August 15 and was due to Blunt's involvement with a drug trafficking organization, as well as several firearms violations, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Blunt's recent brush with the law stems from a search warrant executed by the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police on June 14, 2023. During the raid of his residence, a variety of contraband including firearms, drugs, and ammunition were uncovered by the agents. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, materials found on the premises included 60 grams of fentanyl and methamphetamine mixture, 20 grams of fentanyl, approximately 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and $4,300 in cash. Having been convicted previously of felony drug trafficking and firearms convictions, Blunt was also found with a loaded handgun featuring an illegal "Glock switch", capable of turning the weapon fully automatic – compounding his legal woes.
The legal troubles for Blunt were also fueled by an incident on May 16, 2023, chronicled by traffic camera footage, where he was seen in a dispute involving firearms near an individual and a child. The video purportedly showed a fight where one man carried a child whilst ducking behind a vehicle to avoid a gun-wielding Blunt. "The footage further recorded Blunt permitting the adult to place the child in the vehicle before Blunt brought the individual back to his residence, where, on the porch, the two males began exchanging punches," as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
In his statement, U.S. Attorney Olshan praised the combined efforts of the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police in the investigation leading to Blunt's conviction. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is credited with prosecuting the case against Blunt. Blunt's history of felony convictions for similar crimes has solidified the government's stance on repeat offenders and underscored the seriousness with which the justice system views such violations.
