Patton, Pa., Man Admits Having Dozens of Marijuana Plants
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ A resident of Patton, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession of marijuana plants, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Stephen D. Lamont, 34, 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 May 9, 2011, Lamont possessed with the intent to distribute 50 or more but less than 100 marijuana plants.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2011, at 10 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.
A joint task force, headed by the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lamont. Other agencies participating on the task force include the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Pennsylvania State Police; the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office; the Cambria County District Attorney's Office; the Carrolltown Police Department; the Patton Police Department; the Ebensburg Police Department; the Portage Police Department and the Paint Township Police Department.
