Canonsburg Man Facing 10 Years To Life For Selling Crack Cocaine
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Canonsburg, Penn., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Cornelius Thomas, 27, pleaded guilty on Sept. 7, to three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, before United States District Judge David Cercone.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on March 3 and March 25, 2008, Thomas sold crack cocaine to an undercover police officer in Canonsburg. Following the March 25 sale, officers secured a search warrant for Thomas' home, where they seized nearly a 1/4 pound of crack, scales, and other drug paraphernalia.
Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Jan. 6, 2010. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of $4,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Pending sentencing, the court ordered that Thomas continue to be detained without bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Washington County District Attorney's Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Cornelius Thomas.
