Escaped Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Turtle Creek and Pittsburgh, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of escape from federal custody, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Dwayne Raymond Sims, a/k/a Dwane Raymond Sims, 50, pleaded guilty to the escape charge before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that the defendant was originally sentenced to 162 months in prison after being arrested in possession of more than four kilograms of cocaine en route from Arizona to Pittsburgh. Sims was eventually transferred to serve the remainder of his sentence at the Renewal Center in downtown Pittsburgh. While there for less than two months, Mr. Sims tested positive for drug use and fled without authorization on Nov. 30, 2009. The United States Marshal's Fugitive Task Force pursued him until he was apprehended on Oct. 5, 2010. Sims remains in custody pending his sentencing.
Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for February 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five 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, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Sims.
