PITTSBURGH - A resident of Elk Grove, Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Joseph Rojas, 28, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Rojas conspired to distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for 10 a.m. on May 15, 2014. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000, 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 revoked Rojas’s bond and ordered him to be detained.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rojas.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
