JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Luthersburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of a controlled substance, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Thomas J. Desmond, 24, of Luthersburg, Pa., pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, on March 13, 2014, Desmond possessed a quantity of 3,4 methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) hydrochloride with the intent to distribute it.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for April 6, 2016, at 1:30 p. m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense 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 Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania State Police (Dubois Barracks), and Homeland Security Investigations (Pittsburgh Office) conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Desmond.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
