Johnstown Woman Possessed Crack Cocaine Intending To Sell It

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as "crack," United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Ebony R. Thorne, 30, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that on Oct. 31, 2012, Thorne possessed less than 28 grams of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2014, at 11 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, 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 Thorne.