United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania

10/13/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/13/2021 10:09

Westmoreland County Man Pleads to Drug Possession Charge

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A former resident of New Florence, PA pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Nicholas Beard, 28, pleaded guilty to Count One of the Indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, on or about October 9, 2020, Beard did possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison to a maximum of 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, 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 Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, Southwest Pennsylvania Safe Streets Task Force, and the Indiana County Drug Task Force led the prosecution of Beard.