Johnstown Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Multiple Drugs

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

Derrick L. Harper, Jr., 26, pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Nov. 27, 2018, Harper possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, fentanyl and cocaine.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for February 6, 2020, at 1:30 p.m.  The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 60 years in prison, a fine of $3,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harper.