United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today  June 13, 2008, that on June 12, 2008, after several hours of deliberation, a jury of three men and nine women found Jennifer McDade guilty on a charge of violating federal narcotics laws.

McDade, age 31, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was tried before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson in Johnstown.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines, who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that from May 4, 2004, to December 6, 2005, McDade conspired with other co-defendants to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of cocaine base and more than 500 grams of cocaine.

The law provides for a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years, and a fine of $4,000,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.  A sentencing date has not been set yet.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency, the Cambria County Drug Task Force, and the Johnstown Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Jennifer McDade.