Penn Hills Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 05, 2011 |
PITTSBURGH, PA—A resident of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotic laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Damel M. Gaines, 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around February 2010, and continuing thereafter to on or about Oct. 7, 2010, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gaines and others conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for Jan. 17, 2012. The law provides for a 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the McKeesport Police Department, the Clairton Police Department, the Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Munhall Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Damel M. Gaines.