A Pittsburgh resident has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms, according to an announcement by First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Melvin Gaines, 30, from the Oakmont neighborhood, received a 36-month sentence on November 12, 2025. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan handed down the sentence after Gaines was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. He was also found guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Court records show that between March 2024 and July 2024, Gaines took part in a scheme to distribute fentanyl and cocaine by acting as a redistributor. Authorities discovered that he possessed two firearms—including one reported stolen—as well as multiple magazines and ammunition. Federal law prohibits felons from owning guns or ammunition.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rivetti acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating the case, stating: “First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gaines.”
