Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News woman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.  

According to court documents, Paula Jean Sciotto, 36, participated in a heroin and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy in the Hampton Roads area from December 2015 until July 2017. During the course of the conspiracy, she distributed over 100 grams of heroin, as well as a quantity of fentanyl in Hampton and Newport News.

Sciotto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. She faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison when sentenced on October 29. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Scott W. Hoernke, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Field Division, and Steve R. Drew, Chief of Newport News Police, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas E. Miller accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan M. Cowles is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:18-cr-42.