Cambria County Woman Admits Role in Large-Scale Marijuana Distribution Organization

JOHNSTOWN, PA—A resident of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Marguerite G. Lowmaster, 66, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from March 2009 to May 9, 2011, Marguerite G. Lowmaster conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 10 kilograms but less than 20 kilograms, of marijuana. In addition, evidence presented to the court at the time of Marguerite G. Lowmaster’s guilty plea reflected that she conspired with George M. Lowmaster and others with the intent to facilitate and promote George M. Lowmaster’s drug distribution organization.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2014, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Marguerite G. Lowmaster on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Marguerite G. Lowmaster. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office; the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department; and the Paint Township Police Department.