Mercer County Teen Charged With Federal Drug And Gun Offenses

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Western Pennsylvania has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The two-count indictment named Jashaad Coleman, 19, of Farrell, Pa.

According to the indictment, on or about July 31, 2012, Coleman aided and abetted the possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, a Schedule II controlled substance. The indictment further charges that he possessed, brandished and discharged a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $5,250,000, 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, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. Rosen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police, the Mercer County District Attorney's Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

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