Cambria County Man Sentenced On Narcotics And Firearms Violations

Prosecution Is Part Of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A local resident has been sentenced in federal court to 36 months in prison and three years’ supervised release on his conviction of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Eugene Albert Harris, Jr., 38, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, on May 31, 2013, Harris distributed less than 100 grams of heroin, and he was found in possession of a NOR, Model SKS, 7.62 x 39 caliber rifle, and a Jennings Bryco Arms, Model 59, 9 mm caliber pistol. On Apr. 25, 2003, Harris was convicted in Indiana Co., Pa., of drug trafficking, which is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year from possessing firearms.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Hickton commended the Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cambria County Drug Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Harris.

According to Mr. Hickton, this case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.