JOHNSTOWN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES RELATED TO DRUG INVESTIGATION

A Johnstown man pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to charges related to drug investigations in Cambria and Indiana counties.

U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan said yesterday that 68-year-old Rodney Smith made his confession before U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson in federal district court in Johnstown. Between January and June 2021, Smith conspired with others to distribute heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine in Indiana and Cambria counties. In addition to federal and state authorities, Indiana County Police and the District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation. Smith was intercepted in a federal wiretap as he obtained quantities of drugs that he would later distribute to others.

He faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both, depending on the severity of the offense and any prior convictions.