Grand Jury Indicts Johnstown Man on Drug Charge

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Joseph L. Prave, III, 50, of Johnstown, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Jan. 26, 2016, Prave distributed less than 100 grams of heroin.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Cambria County Drug Task Force, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Prave.

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