Two Charged with Possession and Distribution of Crack Cocaine
| U.S. Attorney’s Office February 12, 2013 |
JOHNSTOWN, PA—Two residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of distributing and possessing cocaine base in the form commonly known as “crack,” United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The three-count indictment named James K. Parker, 40, and Ebony R. Thorne, 30.
According to the indictment, on October 18, 2012, Parker distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base; on October 30, 2012, Parker and Thorne distributed less than 28 grams of cocaine base; and on October 31, 2012, they possessed less than 28 grams of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Parker of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both; and for Thorne of 40 years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, 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, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.