HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced the arrest of former Taylor Allderdice School football coach, Branndon Pezzelle, Sr., for selling cocaine out of his home. Pezzelle was most recently a cadet at the Allegheny County Police Academy from which he has been removed.
“The defendant gained the trust of players and families in Pittsburgh and was seeking to become a police officer — all while behind the scenes selling poisons in our communities. Branndon Pezzelle has betrayed the people of Pittsburgh– an area he was vying to serve to protect,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “My office continues to hold anyone who abuses their power to account, without fear or favor.”
A search warrant executed at Branndon Pezzelle’s home resulted in the discovery of 1,252 grams of cocaine, approximately $76,000 in cash, and equipment for packaging and selling cocaine. Pezzelle, 36, is being charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Instruments of a Crime.
Allegheny County Police Department played a crucial role in this ongoing investigation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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