Johnstown Man Violated Federal Drug And Gun Laws

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.

Che Rose, 27, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Sept. 10, 2009, Rose possessed less than five grams of cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," with the intent to distribute it.

Further, on the same date Rose, who had been convicted in 2005 in Cambria County, Pa., of Drug Act Violation/delivery-possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance unlawfully possessed an H & R revolver. 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 Violation/delivery-possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance is such a crime.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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

According to Mr. Hickton, Rose 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.