PITTSBURGH – An Ohio resident has been sentenced in federal court to seven years (84 months) in prison on his convictions of drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on James Nelson, 31, of Wellsville, OH.

According to information presented to the court, from January 2015 to February 2016, Nelson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Brady commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Nelson.

 

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – An Ohio resident pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and one count of conspiracy to launder money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

James Nelson, 31, of Wellsville, Ohio, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from January 2015 to February 2016, Nelson conspired with others to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He also conspired to launder $60,000 of the proceeds of the heroin trafficking.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for May 20, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of not more than $20,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant’s detention.

Assistant United States Attorney Tonya Sulia Goodman is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Hopewell Township Police Department, Beaver County District Attorney’s Office, Aliquippa Police Department, and the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Nelson.