A Pittsburgh man has entered a guilty plea on charges of possessing controlled substances while incarcerated, as announced by the office of United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan. Lafon Ellis, aged 30, faced United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon where he admitted to his wrongdoings, acknowledging that on two separate occurrences, while he was detained at the Allegheny County Jail, he had illegal substances in his possession.

According to U.S. Attorney's Office, Ellis faces serious prison time and hefty fines for incidents on May 3 and December 10, 2023, involving possession within a penal institution. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years and fined up to $500,000. Judge Bissoon will deliver the sentence on February 20, 2025—a date likely awaited with anxiety by Ellis and his legal team.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan T. Conway is leading the prosecution, aiming to uphold law and order within the prison system. Ellis’ sentence, pending, will be shaped by the severity of his offense and his criminal record.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Marshals Service with support from Allegheny County Police, revealed Ellis’ actions within the correctional facility.