PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lee Michael, 25, waived prosecution by indictment and pleaded guilty to a one-count information before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on or about March 6, 2013, Michael attempted to possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methylone, a Schedule I controlled substance.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for July 30, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 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 prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine A. King and Troy Rivetti are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Lee Michael.