Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Drug, Gun Charges

JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pled guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jerry Jay Jones, 38, pled guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on February 7, 2008, Jones distributed less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, and on February 8, 2008, he was found in possession of a .32 caliber revolver. In 1992 Jones was convicted in Allegheny County, Pa., of the crime of aggravated assault, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms. Aggravated assault is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2010, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court detained the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones.

This case is being prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.