A Seven Fields man, Durrell Fortson, age 45, has been sentenced to 106 months in prison for charges related to cocaine distribution and firearm violations, as announced by U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan. U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV handed down the sentence after Fortson's conviction on possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
During a traffic stop on November 16, 2022, a drug K-9 alerted officers to the presence of controlled substances in Fortson's vehicle, leading to law enforcement securing a search warrant. The search that ensued discovered two gallon-sized bags of cocaine, cocaine residue, a digital scale, and a stolen .40 caliber handgun with 13 rounds. This find effectively sealed Fortson's fate when brought before the federal court. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the firearm's serial number confirmed it had been reported stolen.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna. The successful prosecution of Fortson was commended by U.S. Attorney Olshan, who gave credit to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation work that led up to this point. The combined efforts of these agencies ultimately brought to closure a case that revolved around significant drug trafficking activity.
