Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty To Possessing Contraband

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - An inmate of FCI Loretto pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lonnie Johnston, 31, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Oct. 31, 2012, Inmate Johnston possessed heroin and marijuana .

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 31, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Special Investigative Staff at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Johnston.