Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Law Violations
| U.S. Attorney’s Office January 31, 2011 |
JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack,” United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Dorian D. Stephens, 24, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 13, 2008, Stephens distributed five grams or more of cocaine base, and on Oct. 6, 2009, he possessed five grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for June 21, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 80 years 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 offenses 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.
The Cambria County Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Laurel Highlands Resident Agency) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Stephens.