United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, August 12, 2008, that Dana Maurice Roye, a/k/a Dane, a resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating the federal drug laws.

Roye, age 29, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti advised the court that on October 1, 2007, Roye conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of crack cocaine.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for November 12, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five (5) years and up to forty (40) years in prison, a fine of $2,000,000, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Sharon Police Department and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Dana Maurice Roye.