California Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Methamphetamine

PITTSBURGH, PA. - A resident of Newberry Springs, Calif., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distributing methamphetamine in violation of federal drug trafficking laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Richard Sperry, 53, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Sperry distributed five grams or more of methamphetamine on two occasions, February 4 to 7, 2017, and April 7 to 10, 2017.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2018 at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of five to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Richard Sperry.