Californians Charged In Marijuana Distribution Scheme

PITTSBURGH, Pa. -Two residents of Los Angeles, Calif., have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Alexandra Ann Haag, 24, and Erica Rae Auer, 24.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from 2011 to April 20, 2012, Haag and Auer conspired to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory J. Nescott is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and United States Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.