Violent Pittsburgh gang leader, friend of local rapper sentenced for murder, robbery, drugs

PITTSBURGH — A lower-ranking leader of a violent Pittsburgh gang and the friend of a popular local rapper who was shot dead, was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in federal prison.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sydney Pack, 23, pled guilty in April to one count of RICO conspiracy. His sentence also includes five years of probation upon his release.

Pack was friends with Jimmy Wopo, real name Travon Smart, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in the Hill District in 2018. Pack appeared in several of Wopo’s music videos.

Officials said Pack was a member of the “11 Hunnit” gang which operated throughout the Hill District. He was allegedly involved in the murder of a rival gang member in Stowe Township in 2016 in which a 7-year-old child was injured in the crossfire. Officials with the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Pack also admitted to shooting several rival gang members in 2015 and 2016 along with distributing heroin, fentanyl and guns.

Investigators said the gang was comprised of Hill District residents and Wopo and Pack were among the leaders.

VIDEO: Jimmy Wopo killed in drive-by shooting VIDEO: Jimmy Wopo killed in drive-by shooting

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