Mercer County Man Charged with Dealing Crack Cocaine

PITTSBURGH—A resident of Farrell, Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on June 28, named Michael Vincent Talbert, 32, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on July26, 2007, Talbert distributed and possessed with intent to distribute five grams or more crack cocaine; and on Nov. 20, 2007, Dec. 13, 2007, Oct. 22, 2008, and Dec. 22, 2008, Talbert distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, 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 Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Control, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, Southwest Regional Police and Sharon Police 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.