Leader of Cross-State Drug Trafficking Network Convicted at Trial of Conspiring to Distribute, Distributing, and Possessing with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for approximately three hours, a federal jury found Qureem Overton guilty of conspiring to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl and quantities of heroin and cocaine, as well as of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute those substances, between January 2017 and June 2020, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Overton, 43, who previously resided in Butler and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted on October 11, 2024, at the conclusion of a five-day jury trial. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville presided over the trial, and scheduled Overton's sentencing for February 25, 2025.

According to evidence established during trial, Overton was the leader of a Philadelphia-to-Butler pipeline for fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. He has prior Pennsylvania state convictions in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas for drug trafficking, robbery, and aggravated assault that resulted in state prison sentences.

The jury convicted Overton of violating several federal narcotics laws, including conspiracy, distribution of a controlled substance, and distribution of a controlled substance near a school. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both, for the conspiracy crime; up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both, on each count of distributing or possessing with intent to distribute the drugs; and not less than one year and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both, on each count of distributing a controlled substance near a school. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jacqueline C. Brown and Craig W. Haller are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Butler County District Attorney's Drug Task Force led the investigation that resulted in the prosecution of Overton.