Local Man Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison For Drug Law Violations
PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., has been sentenced in federal court to 7 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release on his conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Chief United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster imposed the sentence on Joseph Spencer, 24.
According to information presented to the court, on Dec. 15, 2006, Feb. 1, 2007, and Feb. 7, 2008, Spencer unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute a total of 46.38 grams of crack, 1,508.75 grams of marijuana, 6.08 grams of heroin, and 51.9 grams of powder cocaine. Additionally, on Feb. 7, 2008, Spencer possessed a .25 caliber Berretta pistol in connection with his drug trafficking crime.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Lancaster stated that Spencer had a long criminal history which indicated a lack of respect for the law and a failure to take his prior convictions seriously.
Assistant United States Attorney Almon S. Burke, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Spencer.
