PITTSBURGH, PA — A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, announced Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
James Emmanuel Emerson, age 51, pleaded guilty on March 23, 2023, to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about Feb. 15, 2022, and on or about March 3, 2022, in Indiana County, Mr. Emerson knowingly, intentionally, and unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for June 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of no less than five years to no more than 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both at each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, Indiana County Drug Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigation – Laurel Highlands Resident Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mr. Emerson.
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