A Farrell, Pennsylvania resident has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Daniel George, 36, admitted before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak that on July 7, 2022, he possessed with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of cocaine base, as well as fentanyl and cocaine. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to federal law, these crimes carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment. The court may also impose a fine of up to $5,250,000 or both. Sentencing will be determined based on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is leading the prosecution for the case.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department strengthened its violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021 by focusing on building trust in communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
“Troy Rivetti announced today.”
“Daniel George, 36, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak to committing two crimes on July 7, 2022: (1) possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, along with quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, and (2) possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.”
“The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, or both. 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 Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.”
“The Mercer County Drug Task Force, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of George.”
“This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities,and measuring the results.”
