Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Michael Flemmings-Smith, 30, pleaded guilty to three counts in the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Mar. 6, 2018, through Apr. 2, 2018, Flemmings-Smith and a co-defendant conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl. On Mar. 12, 2018, Flemmings-Smith and a co-defendant distributed a quantity of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base; and on Apr. 2, 2018, Flemmings-Smith possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base. Cocaine base is commonly known as "crack."

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for August 26, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence for Flemmings-Smith of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, 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 Flemmings-Smith.

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