Two Sentenced For Conspiring To Grow Marijuana

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Frewsburg, New York and a resident of Randolph, New York, have been sentenced in federal court to on their conviction of violating federal drug laws, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed a sentence of time served and a $2,000 fine on William Kamholtz, 59, of Frewsburg, New York and a sentence of 1 day in jail, 9 months home detention and a $3,000 fine on James Leach, 62, of Randolph, New York.

According to information presented to the court, Kamholtz and Leach conspired to manufacture and possessed with intent to distribute marijuana plants.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, the McKean County Drug Task Force, the Southern Tier Drug Task Force, the Cattaraugus County Drug Task Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kamholtz and Leach.