Johnstown Man Admits Committing Drug and Gun Offenses

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Tony U. Atwood, 44, of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty to four counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on June 4, 2014, Atwood distributed less than 100 grams of heroin, and he possessed less than 100 grams of heroin with the intent to distribute it on June 4, 2014, and again on January 20, 2016. In addition, also on June 4, 2014, Atwood, who had been convicted in 1995 in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, of Drug Act/Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawfully possessed a Titan semi-automatic pistol. Federal law prohibits persons who have been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year from possessing ammunition or firearms. Drug Act/Possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 2, 2017, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 70 years in prison, a fine of $3,250,000 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 of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., 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 Atwood.

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