Four Pennsylvania Residents Charged in Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy
| U.S. Attorney’s Office December 10, 2013 |
JOHNSTOWN, PA—Three residents of Johnstown, Pennsylvania and a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
The six-count indictment named as defendants the following individuals:
- George J. Lawrence, IV, 28, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Paulette M. Alt, 52, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Donna M. Hawk, 48, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania
- Paul A. Robinson, Jr., 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
According to the indictment presented to the court, from January 31 to April 23, 2013, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 28 grams of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as “crack,” and on separate occasions during that time period the defendants distributed less than 500 grams of cocaine and less than 28 grams of cocaine base. In addition, on April 23, 2013, Lawrence possessed more than 28 grams of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Lawrence of 140 years in prison, a fine of $13,000,000, or both; for Alt & Robinson, 80 years in prison, a fine of $7,000,000, or both; and for Hawk, 60 years in prison, a fine of $6,000,000, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lawrence, Alt, Hawk, and Robinson.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.