United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, April 3, 2008, that Rashaw J. Randolph, a resident of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal drug laws.

Randolph, age 33, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David S. Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti advised the court that on or about March 24, 2005, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Randolph distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2008, at 10:30 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, 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 criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rashaw J. Randolph.  Other agencies participating in the investigation include the Pittsburgh Safe Streets Task Force (FBI, Pittsburgh Police, Allegheny County District Attorney's Investigations Unit, Allegheny County Sheriff's Office), the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the West Mifflin Police Department, the Penn Hills Police Department, the Monroeville Police Department and the Verona Police Department.