A New Brighton, Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and firearm charges, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Chad Antoine Lindsay, 35, admitted guilt to one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 28 grams of crack cocaine, as well as quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand.
During the plea hearing, it was revealed that on June 17, 2025, a resident called 911 after Lindsay damaged her home. The caller told authorities that Lindsay was dealing drugs and moving them from the house into his vehicle. Police attempted a traffic stop shortly after Lindsay left the residence. He fled but crashed his vehicle soon after. A search warrant led officers to seize two loaded handguns, more than 40 rounds of ammunition, two cell phones, drug packaging materials, over $4,000 in cash, about 43 grams of crack cocaine, roughly 343 grams of cocaine, and approximately 10 grams of fentanyl from the vehicle. Authorities later determined that one handgun had been reported stolen.
At the time he possessed the firearms and ammunition, Lindsay had eight prior felony convictions. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for June 23, 2026. For the drug trafficking offense committed on June 3, 2022, Lindsay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment and up to a $10 million fine. The charge for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries an additional mandatory minimum five-year sentence—also up to life—which must be served consecutively with any other sentence imposed for the drug offense. This charge carries up to a $250,000 fine as well. Sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines considering both the seriousness of these offenses and Lindsay’s criminal history.
Pending sentencing, Judge Wiegand ordered that Lindsay remain in custody under supervision by the U.S. Marshal Service.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case for the government. The investigation leading to indictment involved both the New Brighton Area Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
