In a twist of events, a 27-year-old man named Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, accused of ferrying drugs into Pittsburgh via Greyhound, has been apprehended in New York City, as per authorities informing Channel 11.
Pichardo Cepeda, who missed two court appearances in Allegheny County, was taken into custody in September for allegedly trafficking cocaine and what was initially suspected to be a lethal amount of fentanyl, capable of harming 35% of Pennsylvania’s populace.
Following his arrest, Pichardo Cepeda was granted bail without monetary conditions. However, he subsequently failed to honor two scheduled court sessions.
Surprisingly, investigations revealed that the purported fentanyl was, in fact, a mere cutting agent akin to baking soda, altering the course of the case. Nevertheless, authorities maintain that Pichardo Cepeda still possessed 1.1 kilograms of cocaine.
Chief Investigative Reporter Rick Earle disclosed that the substance found with Pichardo Cepeda bore fentanyl markings and appearance but lab tests unveiled its true nature as a cutting agent akin to baking soda, as stated by the Attorney General’s Office.
The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Pichardo Cepeda’s detention in New York City following a routine traffic stop. New York authorities intend to prosecute him for an outstanding sexual assault charge before returning him to Pennsylvania, the sheriff confirmed.
Expressing concern, Sheriff Kraus criticized the handling of the situation, emphasizing the potential danger posed to the community by releasing individuals like Pichardo Cepeda. The sheriff lamented the ensuing manhunt and the associated taxpayer expenditure, which could have been prevented.
Efforts to reach Judge Orenstein were futile, with the judge declining to engage with the media or comment on pending cases. Nonetheless, it’s known from the district justice campaign that Orenstein has advocated against cash bonds.
Sheriff Kraus voiced apprehension over the possibility of a recurrence of a situation akin to Pichardo Cepeda’s release, stressing the risk posed by letting known offenders back into society.