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Former Taylor Allderdice football coach training at police academy charged with selling cocaine

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the arrest of former Taylor Allderdice high school football coach, Brandon Pezzelle Sr., for selling cocaine out of his home. Pezzelle was training at the Allegheny County Police Academy to get his certifications, but was not a cadet.

Police conducted a search warrant at his home, finding 1,252 grams of cocaine, about $76,000 in cash and equipment for packaging and selling cocaine.

Pezzelle, 36, was charged with possession with intent to deliver and other charges.

“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,” Shapiro said.