A Johnstown, Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to federal racketeering charges related to criminal activity at Cambria County Prison. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced that Blake Young, 36, entered his plea before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026.
According to information presented in court, between July and December 2023, Young engaged in a scheme while incarcerated at Cambria County Prison. He bribed correctional officers and medical staff to bring contraband items into the facility. The smuggled items included cell phones, K2 (a synthetic cannabinoid), and Suboxone, which were then sold to other inmates for profit.
Judge Haines set sentencing for June 5, 2026. Young faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined based on the seriousness of the offense and Young’s prior criminal history under federal guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and Cambria County Prison.
"Blake Young, 36, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on February 2, 2026."
"In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around July 2023 to in and around December 2023, while incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison, Young conducted and participated in the affairs of an enterprise through racketeering activity. Specifically, Young bribed correctional officers and medical staff to smuggle contraband into the prison, namely cell phones, K2, and Suboxone, which were then sold to other inmates for a substantial profit."
"Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant."
"Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government."
"Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, and the Cambria County Prison conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Young."
