Swissvale Man Pleads Guilty in Braddock Drug Conspiracy

PITTSBURGH, PA—On Sept. 1, 2011, a resident of Swissvale, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

David J. Scott, 37, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the defendant’s role in the Braddock drug conspiracy involved the intent to deliver both powder cocaine and crack cocaine.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Dec. 22, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five to 40 years in prison, not less than four years of supervised release and a fine of $5,000,000. 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.

Pending sentencing, the court remanded the defendant into custody.

First Assistant United States Attorney Soo C. Song and Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Greater Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (GPSSTF) and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Violent Crime and Firearm Task Force (VCFTF), which is comprised of investigators from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Scott.