Morrisdale Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Brandon Kifer, 45, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to Counts One and Two of the Indictment.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2023 to March 2023 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Kifer conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, 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 Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kifer.