Carrolltown Woman Pleads Guilty To Federal Gun And Drug Charges

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Carrolltown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Deborah L. Lute, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from April 2012 to March 8, 2013, Lute conspired to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin, and on March 8, 2013, she possessed two Hi Point pistols in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 5, 2015, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $5,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offences and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court revoked Lute's bond.

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 Cambria County Drug Task Force conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lute.