Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Laundering Drug Money

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A former police officer with the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal money laundering laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Jared K. Weinberg, 28, formerly from Maryland, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Weinberg participated in an 11-year-long conspiracy to launder drug money for California native Damon Collins.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Dec. 13, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Weinberg on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Ross E. Lenhardt is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jared Weinberg.