United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, May 16, 2008, that Walter E. Parks, III, a resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to violating various federal narcotics laws.

Parks, age 32, pleaded guilty to nine counts 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 July 12, and August 23, 2005, Parks distributed less than 100 grams of heroin on each date.

In addition, on seven occasions from February 7, to April 5, 2006, Parks illegally acquired Lortab 10/500 tablets (Hyrocodone) from five local pharmacies where he presented forged prescriptions.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for September 10, 2008, at 2:00 p.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 68 years imprisonment, a fine of $3,750,000, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.