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Erie Man Pleads Guilty to Two Violations of Federal Drug Laws
United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, May 12, 2009, that Samuel Tirado, a resident of Erie, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal drug laws.
Tirado, age 29, pleaded guilty to a total of four counts in two different cases before Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini advised the court that in February 2008, Tirado distributed more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. While Tirado was released on bond awaiting trial on the initial charge, Piccinini advised the court that Tirado continued to distribute drugs, and on three occasions in April 2009, Tirado distributed more than 20 grams of crack cocaine. Tirado's bond was revoked and he was ordered by Judge Cohill to be detained pending sentencing.
Judge Cohill scheduled sentencing for August 3, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of life in prison, a fine of $8,000,000, 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.
The EAGLE task force, which is comprised of members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Erie Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Tirado.
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