United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, June 4, 2008, that James Rodriguez, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of possession of contraband in prison.

Rodriguez, age 32, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr. advised the court that on November 29, 2007, Rodriguez possessed a sharpened 6 1/2" metal rod which was a weapon or intended to be used as a weapon.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for September 30, 2008, at 10 a.m.  The law provides for a maximum total sentence of five years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, and the Special Investigative Staff at the Federal Correctional Institution at Loretto conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rodriguez.