A Scott Township resident, James France, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. This will be followed by eight years of supervised release, according to Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
On April 15, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak sentenced the 62-year-old former corporate lawyer. France was convicted by a federal jury in March 2022.
Court documents revealed that France, who held an Ivy League degree and previously worked at multiple law firms in Pittsburgh, engaged in methamphetamine distribution. His arrest in March 2015 in Illinois led to the discovery of 1,344 grams of methamphetamine in his car, along with scales, syringes, and over $4,700 in cash. A DEA investigation in June 2016 identified France as a significant methamphetamine supplier after securing a controlled purchase of 55 grams of meth from his residence.
A subsequent police response to a reported home invasion at France's Scott Township residence on July 29, 2016, raised suspicions of a meth lab. However, after obtaining a search warrant, the DEA determined the absence of a lab but found 430 grams of methamphetamine, $8,000, and other distribution evidence.
While on bond, France was arrested again on June 30, 2017, after another search warrant execution revealed drug paraphernalia, cash, and methamphetamine quantities.
During legal proceedings, France was accused of obstructing justice by lying, violating bond conditions, and exhibiting aggressive behavior, including threats and abuse towards his counsel.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti praised the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Scott Township Police Department for their work that led to France's prosecution.
