Erie Man Admits Guilty in Crack Cocaine Trafficking Scheme

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Curtis L. Duck, 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Duck conspired with a co-defendant to possess with intent to distribute and distribute approximately 40 grams of crack cocaine.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 1, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Duck on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Duck.