Oregon Man Pleads Guilty in Drug Conspiracy

JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Eugene, Oregon pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Brian V. Knee, 40, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Knee conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Thurs., Dec. 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Knee. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department; and the Paint Township Police Department.