PITTSBURGH - A resident of Downey, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Michael Dwayne Blackwell, a/k/a Kevin Campbell, 46, 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 from in or around March 2009, and continuing thereafter to on or about Sept. 13, 2009, Blackwell conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50, but less than 150 kilograms of cocaine and that he was also responsible for the distribution of more than one, but less than three kilograms of heroin. The Court was also made aware that in September 2009, FBI agents seized approximately 54 kilograms of cocaine and approximately one kilogram of heroin that were attributable to Blackwell. In addition, law enforcement officers seized over 90 kilograms of cocaine in June of 2009, at least some of which was intended for delivery to Blackwell. On Sept. 13, 2009, FBI agents seized a large amount of marijuana, two money counters, plastic packaging materials, a digital scale, $10,178 in cash, four firearms, two firearm silencers, a handgun conversion kit, and multiple boxes of ammunition from Blackwell’s residence in California.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. Johnston and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, the McKeesport Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Blackwell.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
