PITTSBURGH - A Washington County man pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Kenneth Marcel Higgenbotham, age 50, formerly of Washington, PA, pleaded guilty yesterday to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around October 2013, and continuing until in and around April 2014, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Higgenbotham conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 28 grams, but less than 112 grams, of crack cocaine.
Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for Sept. 27, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00, 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 Troy Rivetti is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FBI Greater Pittsburgh Safe Street Task Force, Wilkinsburg Police Department, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Munhall Police Department, Duquesne Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, Allegheny County Police Department, West Mifflin Police Department, Bellevue Police Department, and the Pittsburgh Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the prosecution of Higgenbotham.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
