Johnstown Man Indicted on Drug and Gun Charges

Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced today, January 14, 2010, that on January 12, Dorian D. Stephens, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating various federal laws.

The three-count indictment named Stephens, age 23, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on November 13, 2008, Stephens distributed five grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” and on October 6, 2009, he possessed five grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.

The indictment further alleges that on October 6, 2009, Stephens, who had been convicted in 2008 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, of Drug Act Delivery, unlawfully possessed two handguns. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Drug Act Delivery is such a crime.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 90 years in prison, a fine of $4,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

According to Mr. Cessar, Stephens is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent, deter, and prosecute gun crime.

The Cambria County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Laurel Highlands Resident Agency) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.