A resident of Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, has admitted guilt in federal court to multiple drug-related offenses following a six-month wiretap investigation into narcotics trafficking in Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties. This announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Joshua Pote, aged 42, entered a guilty plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The court was informed that Pote served as a distributor for a drug trafficking organization operating out of Altoona, Pennsylvania. This group was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and smaller amounts of heroin and fentanyl across the Western District of Pennsylvania. During the conspiracy period, Pote distributed methamphetamine to various users.
Judge Haines has set the sentencing date for November 4, 2025. The potential maximum sentence includes up to 20 years in prison and a fine reaching $1 million or both. The actual sentence will be determined based on the offense's severity and any prior criminal history of the defendant.
Pote will remain detained until sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led this multi-agency investigation alongside other entities such as the United States Postal Service—Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at identifying and dismantling major drug traffickers and related criminal organizations through coordinated efforts from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
