JOHNSTOWN, PA — A Philipsburg resident has pleaded guilty to federal narcotics charges. David Klanish, 53, confessed to his role in a conspiracy that saw large amounts of methamphetamine flood the streets of Western Pennsylvania.
Klanish entered his guilty plea on Count Two of the Superseding Indictment before United States Senior District Judge Kim R. Gibson. The court was informed that from January to March 2020, Klanish conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing detectable amounts of methamphetamine.
The prosecution presented evidence showing Klanish being intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine, which he then distributed to others.
Judge Gibson has scheduled Klanish’s sentencing for June 24, 2024. Depending on the seriousness of the offense and Klanish’s prior criminal history, if any, the law could impose a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is leading the prosecution against Klanish on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police spearheaded the investigation that led to Klanish’s prosecution. Several other agencies also participated in the investigation, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.
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