New Kensington man awaits sentencing for his role in massive, nationwide drug ring

A New Kensington man who pleaded guilty in December of being a key figure in a nationwide drug ring that imported massive amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico faces more federal drug charges.

In the latest case, James Pinkston, 35, of New Kensington is awaiting his sentence after pleading guilty Thursday to violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws, announced Troy Rivetti, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

According to information presented in federal court, James worked with others to distribute around 14 ounces fentanyl and about 18 ounces of cocaine from August 2021 to June 2023.

Pinkston was caught by a wiretap obtaining drugs that he later distributed, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Pinkston was also charged with committing money laundering when authorities allegedly discovered he was using payment apps to complete drug transactions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Key figure in massive drug operation

Pinkston also pleaded guilty to a second superseding indictment alleging the operation imported millions of fentanyl pills, kilograms of fentanyl powder, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and dozens of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico.

The drugs were distributed and sold throughout the United States, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Pinkston served as the Western Pennsylvania connection to a Phoenix, Ariz. drug trafficking organization responsible for importing the drugs from Mexico.

Pinkston is one of 35 people who were indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown in December on narcotics, conspiracy and money laundering charges for their participation in a “violent transnational drug and money laundering operation.”

His sentencing is scheduled for May 28.

The FBI’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to Pinkston’s prosecution.