JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ A resident of Johnstown, Penn., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of distribution of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Marcellus Lumpkin, 30, 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 Sept. 24, 2008, Lumpkin distributed less than five grams of cocaine base.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 10, 2011, at 11 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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 John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Johnstown Police Department, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Laurel Highlands Resident Agency conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lumpkin.

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